Collaborative Diversity Efforts Result In Henrietta Lacks Movie Event

In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks movie was shown at the Grandin Theatre on Feb. 27.

Co-sponsored by Carilion Clinic, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC (FBRI), Radford University Carilion (RUC) and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (VTCSOM), the movie was the first collaboration of Diversity efforts among these four Roanoke academic and healthcare institutions – a successful alliance that is proving to be a great model for future events for students, faculty and staff of our communities.

The Carilion Clinic Inclusion Council, along with members of the Employee Resource Groups served as hosts for the event, where a dynamic panel presentation connecting HeLa cell technology and bioethics followed the movie. Dr. Rob Gourdie of the Gourdie Lab at FBRI; Dr. Tony Seupaul, Chief Carilion Physician Executive; Dr. Bethany Usher, Provost, Radford University; and Dr. Janet Osborne, Surgeon and Medical Director of Infusion and Gyn Oncology, lifted these connections in their remarks that stemmed from their expertise and vast experience in careers and vocational work related to medicine, oncology and research. They also led an engaging Q&A session with the audience.

The movie event was designed as an appropriate book end to the launch of the Hidden in Plain Site and Henrietta Lacks Statue projects that began in 2022. The completed statue was unveiled last fall in Lacks Plaza. Maquettes of the statue are prominently placed inside CRMH, VTCSOM and FBRI to remind us Mrs. Lacks' story lives on in the work we do every day. Henrietta Lacks was a Black woman who was born and spent her early years in Roanoke. She and her famous HELA cells have touched medicine, science and research in countless ways.

Members of the Hidden in Plain Site Committee, including the Lacks Statue Sculptor, attended the event, along with other community members connected to the Hidden in Plain Site and Henrietta Lacks Statue projects.