DJ Quicksilva was on the fence about getting vaccinated. The radio host, who lives in Prince Georges County, Md., had been eligible since January because he teaches at his DJ school in person. His doctor was pushing him to get the shot. But he did not trust a medical system he felt had too often failed Black men like him.

Former Tuskegee, Ala., mayor Johnny Ford rolled up his right sleeve and smiled behind his mask as the first dose of coronavirus vaccine entered his arm - a televised display of faith he hoped would save Black families from suffering.