That's why Governor Andrew Cuomo toured the new mass vaccination site at Medgar Evers College in Crown Heights, which opens Wednesday.
Nationwide and in New York, African Americans have been getting vaccinated at lower rates than white people.
The state is also opening a vaccine center Wednesday at York College in Jamaica. Both new sites opening Wednesday are by appointment only for people living in those neighborhoods.
They aim to vaccinate up to 3,000 people a day at each location.
The state will also partner with faith leaders in Brooklyn and Queens to launch a vaccination drive aimed at encouraging more members of the leaders' communities to sign up for vaccination appointments at these sites using phone banking.
City turns to clergy for help with vaccine awareness
Eligible New Yorkers can currently schedule appointments for the Brooklyn and Queens sites by utilizing New York's "Am I Eligible" website or by calling the state's COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline at 1-833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829).
Appointments can also be made by visiting the sites beginning when they open on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Governor Cuomo says it's time to find out just how many teachers have been vaccinated, so they can ramp up school reopenings and get more kids back in class.
RELATED: Where can you get a COVID-19 vaccine? Tracking availability and progress
Citi Field will becomes New York's next mega-vaccination site
Mayor Bill de Blasio is on board with that as well.
"We got a lot to do to bring back this school year as fully as possible. And then I want everyone I want every child to be ready to come back in September in person, as the aggressive approach I want us to take in New York City," de Blasio said.
The state of Connecticut is continuing its age-based approach to vaccinations, opening it up to anyone over the age of 55 next week.
By May 3, any Connecticut resident over 16 will be eligible to get the vaccine.
In addition, school staff and childcare providers will be eligible in March, many of whom are people of color. It's one way the state of Connecticut is trying to bridge the racial divide.
ALSO READ | Young women dress as 'grannies' in apparent attempt to get COVID-19 vaccine
Young women in Florida dress as 'grannies' in apparent attempt to get COVID-19 vaccine, official says
MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE
New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker
Find out if you are eligible and where you can go to get your vaccine
Do you have coronavirus symptoms?
Where to get tested in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus
Submit a News Tip or Question