California’s “Vaccinate ALL 58” Campaign Uses Art to Engage Communities Most Impacted by COVID-19
BAKERSFIELD, CA – In its ongoing effort to reach communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, the State of California recently partnered with 10 community-based organizations to join with artists and community members to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and other actions that help slow the spread of COVID-19.
In Bakersfield, All of Us or None chose muralist Jennifer Williams-Cordova to create a colorful, vibrant mural in the Old Town Kern neighborhood. The mural, LOVE in Action, invites everyone to “Protect the Ones You LOVE.” With a bright blue background, whimsical green hearts, and the word LOVE in giant, colorful letters, the mural features the faces of 10 community members representing a diverse range of ethnicities and ages. Some wear masks, some show off their post-vaccine bandages, and all convey a feeling of community and caring.
The 13×49-foot mural graces the wall of a corner community store, facing the parking lot of the post office at 727 Kentucky St. The high-traffic area is an ideal spot to capture the community’s attention. “We’ve gotten such positive response from the community,” Williams-Cordova said. “While working on this, I saw firsthand how a message of LOVE resonates with everyone.
“It was important for me to get vaccinated and help my loved ones to do the same,” said Williams-Cordova, who was born and raised in Bakersfield. “When All of Us or None shared the daily work, they’re doing to get the community vaccinated against COVID-19, I was proud to use my own skills to help share their message.”
All of Us or None President Ucedrah Osby shared her organization’s goal to create something that would be a part of the community for years to come. “We often say we love our family, and we love our community, but how do we show it? We can show love by getting vaccinated and wearing masks when necessary. Our community has been severely hit by COVID. When people see the mural, we hope they’ll be reminded to spread love. Let’s protect each other.”
All of Us or None’s project is part of a statewide “Vaccinate ALL 58” COVID-19 campaign. The arts initiative is designed to raise awareness of critical actions Californians can continue to take to help stop the spread of COVID-19, with an emphasis on the importance of vaccinations and boosters. It features original works of art with empowering public health messages about protecting one another, being resilient and supporting their community.
In its second year, this arts initiative, developed in partnership with The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, features projects in Los Angeles, Oakland, Bakersfield, Sacramento, San Diego, Oxnard, Fresno and Alameda, and engages Latino, Black/African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, and Indigenous artists and communities.
“It’s inspiring to see community groups and artists, who have been at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, working together to create powerful art. Their work is a reminder to everyone that the actions we take moving forward will create healthier outcomes for our communities. We thank them for sharing their gifts on this art project and for the work they do each day alongside their community,” said Chet P. Hewitt, president and CEO of The Center at Sierra Health Foundation.
“Even as hospitalizations and infection rates decline, it’s important that Californians remain vigilant and protect themselves and their communities from COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted, and wearing a mask in high-risk settings,” said Dr. Tomás Aragón, Director of the California Department of Public Health and State Public Health Officer.
For more information on COVID-19 and the latest public health guidance, visit covid19.ca.gov.
To find out more information on COVID-19 vaccines and to make an appointment to be vaccinated, Californians can visit MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833-422-4255.
