Transforming Medicine: The Impact of Henrietta Lacks’ Cells on Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a time to focus on prevention and education.

This Saturday, Imani Village will host an event aimed at promoting cancer awareness, especially for Black and brown communities. Alfred Lacks Carter Jr. and Dr. Tonya S. Roberson from Governors State University will be sharing important messages about health equity.

Alfred Lacks Carter Jr. is the grandson of Henrietta Lacks, a significant figure in medical history. Henrietta was a Black woman who passed away from cervical cancer in 1951. After her death, doctors used her cells without her knowledge, leading to remarkable advancements in medicine. These cells, known as “HeLa cells,” have been used in over 75,000 studies and are credited with saving around 10 million lives.

In 2017, a film about her life, featuring Oprah Winfrey, brought more attention to her story. Carter emphasizes the need for equal healthcare access for Black and brown women, highlighting the ongoing disparities in treatment and outcomes.

The event, titled “Immortal Like Her,” takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. at Imani Village, located at 901 E. 95th Street. It’s a chance for the community to come together and learn more about cancer prevention and the legacy of Henrietta Lacks.

For more details about the event, you can visit the Henrietta Lacks House website.