The UMKC University Libraries have scheduled events leading up to the Division of Diversity and Inclusion’s 2014 Social Justice Book Lecture, which will take place on Nov. 13 in Pierson Auditorium, 6 – 7 p.m.

Rebecca Skloot, author of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” will serve as keynote speaker at the Social Justice Book Lecture. Lacks was a poor black tobacco farmer who died of cervical cancer in 1951. Before she died, some of her cancerous tissue was taken without her permission and the cells have been reproducing in laboratories around the world ever since. Her cells have become important tools in medical research, such as in developing the polio vaccine and cloning.

The book will soon be made into an HBO movie by Oprah Winfrey and Alan Ball: watch the book trailer.

The Library will hold two events on Wednesday, Oct. 29:

• “Cancer Cell Research:  The Way of All Flesh” [story of Henrietta Lacks], from noon – 1 p.m., School of Medicine Theater. Complimentary pizza provided.
• A book discussion on “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” will take place from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Miller Nichols Library iX Theater.  Scott Curtis, Research and Liaison Librarian, is the book discussion leader.  Complimentary refreshments served.

Admission is free and advance registration is appreciated.  Attendees may register here.

This series is sponsored by UMKC Division of Diversity and Inclusion in partnership with UMKC Libraries; UMKC School of Education and the UMKC School of Medicine’s Office of Diversity and Community Partnership Diversity Council.