MoAD & Gilead Sciences present an afternoon of film, discussion and gathering to call attention to the too often ignored subject of breast cancer among Black women. While Black women contract the disease at the same rate, they are 40% more likely to die from the disease than white women.

‍

How can storytelling and science come together to erase that disparity? We begin the day with the award-winning film ALBANY ROAD starring Lynn Whitfield in what critics have called "A delightful film that will warm your heart and touch your soul." The screening will be followed by a discussion with actor Lynn Whitfield, filmmakers Michael and Christine Swanson, and Dr. Kim Rhoads, Professor of Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University and co-founder of Umoja Health. The conversation will be moderated by Zhonnet Harper, Breast Cancer Patient Health Navigator in the Alameda Health System.

‍

Join us for a reception following the screening & discussion with the panelists. Light bites and refreshments provided.

‍

This program will take place at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA), located at 1000 Oak Street in Oakland. Come early and check out their current exhibition BLACK SPACES: Reclaim & Remain

‍

About the Film | ALBANY ROAD

‍

‍

On her way to the most important meeting of her career, a New York executive is forced to share a rental car with her ex-fiancé's mother, only to discover that the mother is hiding a major secret.

USA | Rated PG-13 | 2 hr 15 min | Drama, Romance, Comedy

‍

View the trailer HERE

‍

About the Panel

‍

‍

Lynn Whitfield is an award-winning actor who can currently be seen starring as a series lead on Lena Waithe’s Season 7 of The Chi for Showtime / Paramount+.  For her performance, Lynn won a 2025 NAACP Image award. She also has a starring lead role in Albany Road across Renee Elise Goldsberry.  Her performance was shortlisted by Scott Feinberg for his annual Oscar predictions in the category of 2025 Best Supporting Actress. She is known for her Emmy-winning performance as Josephine Baker in HBO’s The Josephine Baker Story, her unforgettable role as Lady Mae in Greenleaf, and appearances in films like Eve’s Bayou, Madea’s Family Reunion, and Vacation Friends. Next, she will star in the upcoming film Help directed by Malcolm D. Lee. Lynn received her BFA from Howard University and joined the theater company, D.C. Black Repertory following her graduation. She later moved to New York City and performed in several off-Broadway shows including the acclaimed Los Angeles production of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf opposite Alfre Woodard.

‍

‍

Christine Swanson, Screenwriter and Filmmaker. A visionary storyteller from Detroit, multiple award-winning filmmaker Christine Swanson has written and/or directed entertainment projects for TV One, Lionsgate, Universal Television, CBSStudios, Netflix, Warner Bros., BET Films, A&E Networks, Starz and her own production company, Faith Filmworks. Christine is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and was selected by its Alumni Association as The Rev. Arthur S. Harvey Award recipient for her achievements in the arts. Christine also earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film from New York University’s Tisch School of theArts. She serves on the board of trustees for Saint Mary’s College. Please visit faithfilmworks.com for more.

‍

‍

Michael Swanson, Film Producer. Emmy Award winner Michael Swanson is a Hollywood studio executive, film producer and president and CEO of the production company, Faith Filmworks. Throughout his distinguished career in entertainment, Michael has produced numerous films and helped bring to life Tony Award-winning Broadway and Emmy Award-winning television shows. Michael is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, serves on the board of directors for Wedgwood Circle and is a member of Notre Dame’s Performing Arts Advisory Council, the Coalition for Faith and Media and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Please visit faithfilmworks.com for more.

‍

Dr. Kim Rhoads, Professor of Surgery at Virginia Commonwealth University and co-founder of Umoja Health.

‍

Zhonnet Harper, Breast Cancer Patient Health Navigator in the Alameda Health System.

‍

This program is made possible by the generous support of Gilead Sciences

‍