BATON ROUGE, La. – Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center has unveiled a large-scale mural at the historic Cosey’s Barbershop in North Baton Rouge (1640 Plank Road). The mural is designed to spark conversation, deepen public understanding of clinical trials and remind our community that representation matters in cancer research.
Painted by California-based artist Venazir Martinez and commissioned by The Walls Project, the mural reflects the Cancer Center’s efforts to remove barriers, build trust and ensure diversity in its clinical research – which ultimately leads to more personalized, effective and equitable healthcare for all. Martinez designed the mural based on input from local health leaders, community advocates, clinical trials participants and the Cancer Center’s own creative team, ensuring the art echoes both the spirit and voices of the community.
This diverse input was important to gather because to many minority populations, clinical trials carry a legacy of mistrust rooted in historical injustices and unethical research practices. This understandable skepticism has led to underrepresentation in studies, which means treatments may not be as effective or well-understood across diverse communities.
Mary Bird Perkins is a leader in attracting local minority populations and underserved communities to take part in clinical trials. The Cancer Center’s nationally-recognized clinical trials program recently received a nearly $400,000 grant from the Gilead Foundation. The two-year grant funds a dedicated patient navigator and supports community engagement opportunities – like this large-scale mural – to generate more awareness of how clinical trials participation can benefit everyone.
“Racial and ethnic groups may respond differently to certain treatments due to genetic, environmental and socioeconomic factors,” said Victor Lin, MD, PhD, research medical director, Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. “Inclusive trials help develop therapies that work for everyone – reducing health inequities and improving outcomes for underrepresented communities. We hope this beautiful mural reinforces this idea and inspires our community to consider clinical trials if needed. Breakthroughs are happening all the time. Our goal is to make sure everyone benefits.”
Currently, minority populations make up 21% of those on an active clinical trial at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. In 2024, 18% of new clinical trial enrollments were from minority populations—well above national averages, which tend to be disproportionately less than their representation in the US population. These results can be attributed to Mary Bird Perkins’ prioritization of diversity in research and efforts to create more personalized and equitable opportunities.
The Walls Project received more than 120 applications from artists all over the world to bring the Cancer Center’s vision to life. Ultimately, Martinez was selected. Her colorful mural includes Martinez’s signature motif – a symbolic red thread that represents shared identity, heritage and a linking of communities through their experiences and aspirations.
“This mural celebrates the vital role of diversity in advancing medicine and healing communities,” said Martinez. “Each figure embodies self-determination, energy and hope while the red thread – a symbol of our shared DNA – binds together patients, the labor force and medical professionals moving toward a brighter future.”
Today, strict safeguards and ethical standards are in place to protect participants, and building trust through transparency and community engagement is essential. Increasing minority participation helps ensure that new cancer treatments are safe and effective for everyone.
The Cancer Center’s commitment to increasing diversity in trials is just one part of its broader mission to make high-quality cancer care accessible to all patients, regardless of background or zip code. This mission is made possible through the generosity of philanthropic partners, including Gilead and many others.
Learn more about the mural and Mary Bird Perkins’ commitment to representation in clinical trials.