Sometimes a Spark Is Enough to Light the Fire
This article is a part of our CTSC Event Recap series.
We like to think of our first screening of The Color of Care with the Western Reserve Historical Society, made possible by the Smithsonian Channel, as the human-made spark that catalyzed seven in-person, virtual, or hybrid screenings of a documentary with the power to raise awareness, evoke empathy, and ignite action. Approximately 500 researchers, clinicians, staff, and community members attended the screenings that typically ended with panel discussions with experts at each organization.
The Cleveland Clinic hosted watch parties at several of their community locations, including: Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Cleveland Clinic Lutheran Hospital, and Cleveland Clinic Stephanie Tubbs Jones Family Health Center.
The CTSC coordinated these efforts with the Cleveland Clinic’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion, University Hospitals Clinical Research Center, and the Diversity & Inclusion Executive Advisory Board of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center (VA).
“What do I need to do with the next interaction that I have with somebody so that I don’t become part of the problem, but actually become part of the solution?” said Dr. Ijeoma Kene-Ewul.
Dr. Mamta Singh asked, “Can we relate to someone who doesn’t have the same lived experiences?” She added, “That choice that we think we can make very clearly is not exactly available depending on where you work.”
Review raw footage of post-screening panel discussions with MetroHealth and the VA on our YouTube Channel.
If you’re interested in hosting a screening and discussion, please e-mail Gelise Thomas at Gelise@case.edu.