In conjunction with the first-year common reading, Central will host a community teach-in. This summer, incoming freshmen were asked to read “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot, in conjunction with Intersections, a required liberal arts course for all first years.
The book focuses on the study of human cells unknowingly collected from cancer patient Henrietta Lacks in the 1950s. Lacks was a poor African American mother of five living in Baltimore. After her death, Lacks’s cells, abnormal in their ability to survive in a lab, became the foundation for countless medical breakthroughs. Unaware of the discoveries stemming from the “HeLa” cells, her family continued to live in poverty. Geisler Library holds several copies of the book that are available for checkout.
The teach-in includes a full two-day schedule of events, all of which address themes raised in Skloot’s book. “There’s quite a range of programs,” said event organizer Peggy Fitch, professor of psychology. The events are designed to stimulate discussion from various academic perspectives.
All events are free and open to the public. Due to seating restrictions, only limited public space is available for the keynote speaker. Please contact Treva Reimer at (641) 628-5334 or reimert@central.edu for ticket information.
The program is as follows:
Wednesday, Sept. 14
9 a.m. Voices of Henrietta Lacks, Vermeer Science Center 243
If the figures from the common reading could return and address Central College, what would they have to say? Hear from scientists, family members and other personalities as they explain their roles in and responses to the creation of the immortal cell line. As part of their first formal writing assignment, Intersections students will read original monologues based on the book.
10 a.m. Cancer Survivors Panel, Weller Center 225
A panel of cancer survivors will discuss their reaction to “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” in light of their personal experiences.
11 a.m.-1 p.m. HPV and Cancer Booth, Maytag Atrium
Stop in to learn more about HPV, the vaccine, the benefits and the risks. Cast your vote on whether schools should require this vaccine. Also learn more about cancer, warning signs and how you can help protect yourself.
12 p.m. Real Life “HeLa” Cells in the Lab, VSC 263
Observe live “HeLa” cell cultures and other fixed human tissues. You will also have the opportunity to make a preparation of your own cells and look at them under the microscope.
1 p.m. Real Life “HeLa” Cells in the Lab, VSC 263 (session repeated)
2 p.m. Contemporary Poetry and Henrietta Lacks, Maytag-Boat-Moore Rooms
Poems by contemporary writers Margaret Atwood, David Wagoner and Lucille Clifton raise issues familiar to readers: the nature of cancer, the relationship between doctor and patient and cancer’s effects on patients and their families.
7:30 p.m. Film: “Miss Ever’s Boys,” van Emmerik Theater
The true story of the U.S. government’s 1932 Tuskegee Syphilis Experiments, in which a group of black test subjects were allowed to die, despite a cure having been developed. Discussion to follow.
Thursday, Sept. 15
8-9:15 a.m. How Families are Affected by Cancer, Graham 1
Family members and cancer patients will discuss how cancer affects daily life, choices that families face and things to consider when talking with people who are touched by cancer.
9:30-10:45 a.m. Our Connections to Henrietta Lacks, Roe 138
From their book discussion, Ty Myer’s Intersections class identified main themes within the book, such as social class, morality and family values. The poster session will explore these themes and their intersections.
11 a.m. Keynote by Harriet Washington: “Medical Apartheid,” Douwstra Auditorium
Washington will speak on themes addressed in her book “Medical Apartheid,” which confronts issues similar to “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”
11a.m.-1 p.m. HPV and Cancer Booth, Maytag Atrium (session repeated)
2:15 p.m. Biobanking: A Brief Introduction to Ethical and Social Issues, van Emmerik Theater
Medical anthropologist Liz Newbury from University of Iowa will discuss biobanking of cells and tissues, including connections with the common reading book.
7:30 p.m. Writer’s Reading, Cox-Snow Recital Hall
