Supporters gather to mark the start of a mission
The earliest days of spring 2025 ushered in a new era of exploration into sickle cell disease, an ailment that brings great hardship to millions, particularly children. On March 24, Georgia legislators, researchers, university leaders and physicians joined in celebrating the state’s Solve Sickle Cell Initiative. The guests of honor were GRA Eminent Scholar Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquah, tapped last fall to lead the initiative, and former state Rep. Calvin Smyre (Columbus), for whom the Eminent Scholar chair is named. • Photographer Griffin Gibson was on hand to document the event, held at the Support Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta in Brookhaven.
Left: Former state Rep. Calvin Smyre (Columbus), who was the longest-serving member of the Georgia General Assembly before his retirement in 2021. Rep. Smyre went on to serve on the President's Intelligence Advisory Board. Right: GRA Eminent Scholar Solomon Ofori-Acquah delivers remarks. “I feel lucky that the longest-serving member of the Georgia General Assembly has allowed his name to be branded for this initiative,” Ofori-Acquah said. “When doing research, if I ever feel disheartened, I just have to look at this chair and see that name. And I’ll remember the accomplishments that this great man, Calvin Smyre, has achieved.”
Left: The unveiling of two commemorative chairs with the names of the honorees, Rep. Calvin Smyre and Solomon Ofori-Acquah. Right: The partners in the Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative stand behind the honorees (from left:) Ravi Thadhani (Emory University), Donna Hyland (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and GRA Trustee), Tim Denning (GRA) and Valerie Montgomery Rice (Morehouse School of Medicine and GRA Trustee).
Left: Children’s Healthcare President and CEO Donna Hyland welcomes the crowd to the Support Center in Brookhaven. Opened in 2024, the center houses the System’s administrative offices. Right: Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine, speaks on the importance of pursuing new treatments and a cure for sickle cell disease.
Left: GRA President and CEO Tim Denning recognizes supporters of the Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative and highlights the career accomplishments of GRA Eminent Scholar Solomon Ofori-Acquah. Right: The Scholar poses with Denning and past GRA President and CEO Susan Shows. Ofori-Acquah acknowledge Shows’ leadership and effort in making the initiative possible: “Susan is an amazing woman — very compassionate, and very passionate as well. She wanted this initiative.”
