Black Cinema Series

Everybody’s Work

 Healing What Hurts Us All

Screening and Discussion

Monday, September 21, 2026  | 7:00pm

Little Theatre 1 (240 East Ave.)
Doors open at 6:30pm

Seating is first-come, first-served, on the day of the event. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment. General admission. No advance registration or ticket required.

Like blood in our veins, racism pervades healthcare, and this system meant to heal is causing harm. But some fearless nurses are saying it’s time to get to work.

“Everybody’s Work” delves into the hidden disease plaguing healthcare in the United States: systemic racism. Through the lens of fearless nurses, this documentary exposes the biases that dictate disparate healthcare outcomes based on skin color and the negative impact it has on both patients and the nurses who provide care.

Through the stories of nurses and patients of color, a stark reality emerges: the experiences within healthcare, nursing school, and at the bedside drastically differ for people of color compared to their white counterparts. This film challenges the notion that if racism isn’t personally experienced, it doesn’t exist, urging us all to confront the reality faced by others.

Screening Sponsored by

Wade Norwood, MS, Chief Advancement and Government Relations Officer

Currently serves as Chief Advancement and Government Relations Officer of the organization formed by the combination of Finger Lakes Performing Provider System and Common Ground Health-Rochester RHIO. Rochester native has held leadership positions in the community for more than three decades, including roles in public service, education and health care. In management at Common Ground Health since 2006.

Thalia Wright, MS, Monroe County Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner

First Afro-Latino Commissioner in Monroe County history and has focused on racial equity, domestic violence safety planning and improving outcomes for children and families.

Tamika Ward-Williams, MSNEd, BSN, RN-BC, CMSRN, Director of Nursing

Currently serves as the Director of Nursing at Anthony Jordan Health.  She has more than 30 years of progressive nursing experience, Her work is focused on dismantling disparities while building the next generation of practitioners.

Dr. Chasity Murray, EdD, LMCH-D, NCSP

Dr. Chasity Murray is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Nationally Certified School Psychologist with 17+ years of experience, running her own private practice while also serving on faculty to train future psychologists, with a particular focus on supporting the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.

Josie McClary

Josie McClary is a longtime public servant in Rochester, New York, currently serving as the Chief Community Engagement Officer for Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and ran unsuccessful for City Council in 2025. She coordinates neighborhood outreach, job fairs, and health clinics to bring vital county services directly into underserved areas.

Dr. Marielena Vélez de Brown, MD, MPH or Dr. Melissa Schwartz, DO, JD

As the Commissioner of Public Health for Monroe County, New York, and Medical Director of Starlight Pediatrics, a trauma-informed primary care clinic for children in foster care.  She is board certified in General Preventive Medicine and Public Health and has dedicated her career to addressing health disparities, particularly among historically underserved and Spanish-speaking communities.

Dr. Melissa Schwartz, DO, JD

Dr. Melissa A. Schwartz, DO, is Deputy Medical Director for the Department of Public Health in Rochester, NY, board certified in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, with a career spanning art, medicine, and law in pursuit of health equity. Her work focuses on LGBTQIA+ health care, gender-affirming care, women’s health, and reducing public health disparities.

Moderator | Cary Carr, MPH, MMCHW, LSSWB

Is a Doctor of Public Health student committed to advancing health equity, youth development, and community wellbeing. She currently serves as a Parent Liaison with the Rochester City School District, partnering with families, students, and school staff to strengthen engagement and support student success.

Black Cinema Series

The Little Theatre’s Black Cinema Series, presented in partnership with the Rochester Association of Black Journalists (RABJ), screens both scripted and non-fiction films about the Black experience. With an emphasis on contemporary independent films, the series highlights Black perspectives and filmmakers, with screenings and panel discussions with community experts and filmmakers. More details about the Black Cinema Series Browse all films in this series