Queen Latifah Gets COVID Vaccine, Films 'The Equalizer' In Newark

Newark NJ

10 March, 2021

11:07 AM

Description

NEWARK, NJ — A Hollywood legend has come back to Essex County to make a heartfelt plea to her former neighbors: get a COVID-19 vaccine. Queen Latifah, a Newark native who grew up in East Orange, returned to her old stomping grounds on Tuesday evening to get a shot. It was part of an effort to boost public confidence in vaccinations, according to local officials, who welcomed the actor, rapper and producer back with open arms. Latifah rolled up her sleeve at the COVID-19 vaccine site at Essex County College in Newark, getting a dose of the Moderna version. The site – along with four others run by Essex County – has seen praise as a "nationwide model" for getting shots into people's arms. See related article: Take A Video Tour Of COVID Vaccine Site At Essex County CollegeSee related article: How To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine In Essex County (Weekly Update) The celebrity brought a few family and crew members along with her on Tuesday to get their vaccines as well. "To see someone in a hospital on a ventilator is much more frightening than what's going to happen getting this shot," Latifah said during a news conference. Latifa, who has been filming for her new series, "The Equalizer," in Newark and North Jersey, said her role on the set was a big reason why she got vaccinated. "Every time I go to work, I feel like I'm responsible for hundreds of peoples' lives," she said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queen Latifah (@queenlatifah) Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka thanked the actor for her contribution to the vaccination effort. "People look up to Queen Latifah and all that she has accomplished professionally," DiVincenzo said. "By partnering with her, we are hoping to demonstrate to residents in our urban areas how safe getting the vaccination is." "Our efforts will only be successful if at least 70 percent of the population receives the vaccination and herd immunity is developed," he added. Essex County Commissioner President Wayne Richardson also thanked Latifah, sharing photos of her visit on social media. QUEEN LATIFAH: 'THE EQUALIZER' Latifa has recently gotten a chance to revisit New Jersey, filming several scenes for "The Equalizer" in her former hometown. Fans of the show can rejoice – it'll be returning for a second season, its star reported Tuesday. Newark officials have been tweeting photos of the show and challenging residents to guess where they were filmed in the Brick City. Hey Newarkers! Check out this familiar building in the background of the most recent episode of The Equalizer. Respond to us where in Newark you think this was filmed! Right answers only! #FilmedinNewark Photo credit Barbara Nitke/CBS @theequalizercbs pic.twitter.com/hj0maQ3inp— City of Newark (@CityofNewarkNJ) February 26, 2021 Latifah's choice to film in Newark has inspired pride and thanks from several Essex County residents. @IAMQUEENLATIFAH Your show The Equalizer is just what is needed on a Sunday night. Throughout your career you've done Newark proud!! Keep it up and keep piling on the blessings!— Steven Baldwin (@exceller187) February 8, 2021 @IAMQUEENLATIFAH Love it, love it! I see you Queen, using downtown Newark, NJ in your awesome tv show. THE EQUALIZER. I'm born and raised in Newark and now live in East Orange. Love you dear, keep up the great work.Stay safe!— Deborah Smith (@hotmom523) February 10, 2021 I see they are filming The Equalizer on Market St. in Newark, NJ. I can tell by the 2 @NJTRANSIT buses (25 & 34P) & former Macy's in the background. My late mother would have been stoked to see it all now. The Equalizer was 1 of her favorite shows. pic.twitter.com/kImYLOTPuw— Gene B. (@mrquacker) March 1, 2021 Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.