Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Celebrating Her Enduring Legacy

 Honoring Henrietta Lacks: Celebrating Her Enduring Legacy

Henrietta Lacks, a name once unknown to many, now stands as a monumental figure in medical history. Her unwitting contribution to science through her immortal HeLa cells has propelled countless medical breakthroughs. Recently, her legacy was honored with the unveiling of a wax figure at Morgan State University, a testament to her lasting impact.

A Tribute at Morgan State University

On March 15, 2025, Morgan State University, in collaboration with the National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, unveiled a wax figure of Henrietta Lacks. This event, held at the university’s Behavioral and Social Sciences Center, celebrated Lacks’ invaluable contributions to medical research and her enduring legacy.  

The Henrietta Lacks Foundation: Supporting Impacted Families

In recognition of the ethical complexities surrounding the use of HeLa cells, the Henrietta Lacks Foundation was established. The foundation aims to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who have been directly affected by medical research conducted without their knowledge or consent. This includes grants for health care, education, and other forms of support, ensuring that those impacted receive the help they deserve.  

Henrietta Lacks: A Legacy of Immortality

Born on August 1, 1920, in Roanoke, Virginia, Henrietta Lacks was a devoted wife and mother of five. In 1951, during treatment for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital, cells were taken from her tumor without her consent. These cells, later known as HeLa cells, exhibited the unprecedented ability to survive and multiply indefinitely in laboratory conditions. This remarkable trait made them invaluable to scientific research, contributing to numerous medical advancements, including the development of the polio vaccine, gene mapping, and cancer treatments.  

A Legacy Cemented in Statues and Memory

Beyond the wax figure at Morgan State University, Henrietta Lacks’ legacy has been immortalized in various forms. In October 2023, small-scale statues were dedicated at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, and Carilion Clinic. These statues serve as enduring reminders of her profound impact on medical science.  

statue of Henrietta Lacks

Reflecting on Ethical Practices in Medical Research

The story of Henrietta Lacks underscores the importance of ethical considerations in medical research. Her case has prompted ongoing discussions about patients’ rights, consent, and the necessity for transparency in scientific endeavors. Institutions and researchers continue to reflect on these issues, striving to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated. 

Henrietta Lacks’ legacy is a poignant reminder of the human stories behind scientific progress. Her unwitting contribution has saved countless lives and continues to influence medical research. As we honor her memory through statues, foundations, and continued discourse, we acknowledge the profound debt the world owes to her and her family.