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SaratogaREADS! Presents Conversations with the Lacks Family
In recognition of SaratogaREADS! 20th year, the Saratoga Springs community took a look into our archives and voted to revisit one our previous titles for our 2024 Community Read. By popular vote, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot was chosen. Through our programming, we will delve into a variety of the book’s themes - sexism, racism, classism, poverty, inequality, ethics, medicine, and more.
For our premiere event, SaratogaREADS! and Skidmore College are thrilled to welcome two members of the Lacks family to Saratoga Springs via Zoom. Henrietta Lacks’s great-grandaughter, Victoria Baptiste and daughter-in-law, Shirley Lacks will join us for a conversation about Henrietta’s legacy. No registration required.
This event is co-sponsored by Saratoga Springs Public Library, Skidmore College, and the Friends of Saratoga Springs Public Library.
Victoria Baptiste is Henrietta Lacks’s great-granddaughter. She travels regularly to talk about the Lacks family’s story. Inspired by Henrietta’s life, she is a travel nurse. As a patient’s advocate, Victoria prides herself on treating patients with respect and dignity and—most importantly—making sure they understand their care. She finds her career fulfilling because it gives her the opportunity to educate patients.
Shirley Lacks is Henrietta Lacks’s daughter-in-law and Deborah Lacks’s childhood best friend. Since retiring from the banking industry, Shirley has dedicated much of her time to traveling around the country, keeping Henrietta’s legacy alive as a promise to her sister-in-law, Deborah Lacks. Henrietta’s enormous contribution to science has afforded Shirley the opportunity to be a voice for patient rights. Shirley is a board member of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group which promotes and preserve the history of Turner Station, Maryland and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks who resided in Turner Station. Shirley will continue to walk the path in telling Henrietta’s story and the family’s journey while promoting social justice and health equity.
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2278417-0
