Hole in the Head: The Hidden Story of Vertus Hardiman

For more than 70 years, Vertus Hardiman concealed evidence of a childhood injustice beneath a wig. Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed brings his long-hidden story to light through a powerful account of medical injustice, faith and friendship.

A childhood forever changed

Hardiman was born in 1922 in Lyles Station, a historic Black community in Indiana. In 1927, at five years old, he and nine other Black children were taken to a county hospital after their parents were led to expect treatment for ringworm.

The children were instead exposed to radiation. They reportedly suffered burning scalps, headaches, dizziness and permanent hair loss. Hardiman sustained the most severe injuries: damage to his scalp and skull left him with a painful wound that never fully healed.

The children’s parents later argued that they had been misled, but the hospital was not held liable. Hardiman believed race influenced what happened. His experience is now remembered as part of America’s troubling history of medical racism and the denial of informed consent to Black patients.

The secret beneath the wig

Hardiman spent most of his life hiding his injury beneath wigs and hats. He worked, worshipped and formed friendships while quietly carrying pain that few people could see.

One of his closest friends was Wilbert Smith. After singing beside Smith in a church choir for more than 20 years, Hardiman finally revealed his secret. Together, the two men began investigating the events of 1927 and preserving Hardiman’s testimony.

Their journey became Hole in the Head: A Life Revealed. Narrated by Dennis Haysbert, the documentary follows Hardiman and Smith as they retrace the past and confront a history that had largely escaped public attention.

Faith without forgetting

Despite everything he endured, Hardiman refused to let anger define his life. His forgiveness did not excuse what happened or erase the need for accountability. It demonstrated his determination not to surrender his character to those who had harmed him.

Vertus Hardiman died in 2007 at the age of 85. By sharing his story, he ensured that the injustice committed against him would not be forgotten.

Hole in the Head preserves that testimony while honoring Hardiman’s endurance, faith and extraordinary capacity for forgiveness.

Film credits

• Narrated by Dennis Haysbert
• Produced by Wilbert Smith, Ph.D.
• Written by Wilbert Smith, Ph.D., and Brett Leonard
• Directed by Brett Leonard

“To use human beings as guinea pigs for testing, particularly based on the color of their skin, is utterly abhorrent to God and good-willed men and women everywhere. Vertus Welborn bore the effects of this tragedy for nearly his entire life, yet his faith and love shone through his eyes. He was living proof of the inherent goodness of men and women. In his death his story lives on and inspires us all.” – Desmond Tutu

“What a brilliant story of friendship and compassion. It’s brave and extraordinary and touched me deeply. For this reason, I have become a spokesperson for this amazing experience. I will never forget the lessons presented by the film and book.” – Blair Underwood Actor, Director, and Producer 

“This story is shocking, unbelievable, and true. The book and film are masterpieces that should be viewed by all due to their tremendous educational value.” – Leroy Baca Sheriff, Los Angeles County (Ret.) 

“I am very proud of this story and my role as narrator. It is my hope that the lessons of Vertus Hardiman will resonate in the hearts and minds of our viewers. Enter this phenomenal documentary and be amazed.” – Dennis Haysbert Film Narrator 

For more info click this link – https://www.holeinthehead.com