“Essentially, the goal of the Love Thy Neighbor campaign is to encourage people to love their neighbor as themselves by getting vaccinated and preventing the spread of COVID-19 — so really trying to channel empathy,” said Ashtan Towles, one of the co-leaders of the campaign launched by Born Again Church.
More than 150 people got their first, second or booster COVID-19 vaccinations this Saturday at Love Thy Neighbor’s first-ever drive. The drive included walk-in clinics at Nashville General Hospital and 15 Walgreens locations across Middle Tennessee, in partnership with CHEN (Congressional Health and Education Network), the Conference of National Black Churches, 92Q, 99.3 and Nashville Healthcare Center.
“The message behind it is really just about trying to have empathy, trying to look at the safety of other people as being as valuable as your own,” Towles said.
Rose Gilbert WPLN NewsAshtan Towles, co-leader of the Love Thy Neighbor campaign, stands in front of the baptismal pool in Born Again church.
Love Thy Neighbor was born from a conversation between Kiwanis Hockett, the historically Black church’s associate pastor, and Towles, who is a lifelong member of the congregation. Hockett was concerned about vaccine hesitancy in the church and surrounding communities and asked Towles to lead an initiative to help people get their shots. The group had their first meeting in September and landed on the name Love Thy Neighbor, a scriptural reminder of care for others.
“It took a lot of grace and a lot of prayer and preparation,” said Myles Minnis, Towles’ co-leader.
Rose Gilbert WPLN NewsMyles Minnis, co-leader of the Love Thy Neighbor campaign, sits in his father’s usual seat during Sunday service at Born Again Church.
Towles added that many faith leaders are reluctant to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine for fear of alienating parishioners who have not gotten their shot for reasons ranging from their political beliefs to the healthcare industry’s history of mistreating the Black community and failing to build trust.
“I think that some people were just afraid of offending someone or losing reputation with another church, if they heard word of them promoting the vaccine,” she said. “And I think hopefully, that [this campaign] helps to sort of eliminate that.”
Weekend events are especially crucial, according to Elizabeth Malone, one of the registered nurses at Nashville General who took part in the clinic. She said that the turnout for the drive was significantly higher than what the hospital sees at their usual weekday clinics.
“It allows the people who aren’t able to come during the week because of work or other obligations to get in here,” Malone said. “And being able to work with churches and other organizations in the area helps us to reach people that may not come in otherwise.”
Nothing is planned yet, but Towles and Minnis said they hope to host more drives in the future.
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