About HLLG

Our Mission

A non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, HLLG exists to protect, preserve and promote the legacy of Henrietta Lacks and her singular contributions to modern medicine. Mrs. Lacks’ cells, known as the HeLa cells, have had a world-wide effect on medical advances such as the development of the polio vaccine, the HIV vaccine, gene mapping, cloning, in vitro fertilization, and cancer treatments. HeLa cells are still being used worldwide in laboratories. HLLG also recognizes the importance of promoting historic Turner Station, Maryland, where Lacks resided at the time of her death.


Achieving Our Mission

Among other educational activities, the group has and continues to:
• Coordinate the annual Henrietta Lacks Essay and Video Competition for middle and high school students nationally
• Present the Annual HLLG Luncheon
• Present the Annual Black Steel Workers Program
• Direct Turner Station Community Tours
• Raise funds for a wax figure of Mrs. Lacks for the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
• Co-sponsor the Turner Station Girl Scouts

Programs and Events

Among other educational activities the group has and continues to:

  • Coordinate the annual Henrietta Lacks Essay and Video Clip Contest for middle and high school students
  • Advocate for the preservation of significant buildings and historical figures in Turner Station
  • Raise funds for the Henrietta Lacks Endowed Scholarship at the Community College of Baltimore County
  • Present the annual Black Steel Workers Program
  • Co-sponsor the Turner Station Girl Scouts
  • Advocate for a US Commemorative Postage Stamp
  • Advocate for Mrs. Lacks’ inclusion to the National Women Hall of Fame
  • Advocate for a national day of recognition for Mrs. Henrietta Lacks
  • Spearhead health equity initiatives