In an inspiring celebration of history, science, and empowerment, students at Mercy High School welcomed the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group (HLLG) on April 23, 2025, for a special event honoring one of Baltimore’s most influential yet historically unsung heroes: Mrs. Henrietta Lacks.
Gathered beneath a vibrant portrait of Mrs. Lacks, students, educators, and HLLG members reflected on the extraordinary story of the woman whose cells—known as HeLa cells—transformed the landscape of medical research.
Mercy High School students and members of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group gather to honor Henrietta Lacks’ enduring legacy in science and social justice.
Leaders of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group organized the visit, including Servant Courtney Speed and Dr. Adele Newson-Horst of Morgan State University.
Founded in 2011 following the posthumous honorary degree conferred upon Mrs. Lacks by Morgan State University, the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group has worked tirelessly to celebrate her life and the vibrant Turner Station community where she lived. Despite being a segregated neighborhood, Turner Station was a hub of entrepreneurship, excellence, and community pride—a spirit mirrored in Mrs. Lacks’ quiet yet world-changing contributions.
Mercy High School students and members of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy.
During the event, students learned how Henrietta Lacks’ cells—taken without her consent during cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1951—became the first immortal human cell line, leading to breakthroughs such as the polio vaccine, cancer therapies, gene mapping, and advances in in vitro fertilization. Her story, once buried in the shadows of medical history, now serves as a beacon of ethical reform and human dignity in science.
“Henrietta’s life is a story of resilience, hope, and silent heroism,” said Dr. Adele Newson-Horst. “Today, we ensure that our students not only learn her story, but feel empowered to carry forward her legacy of service to humanity.”
The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group’s initiatives include:
Organizing the Henrietta Lacks National Essay and Video Competitions for students
Leading Turner Station Community Tours
Sponsoring local youth programs like the Turner Station Girl Scouts
Advocating for a commemorative U.S. postage stamp and a national day of recognition
Advancing health equity and minority participation in STEM education
The visit left a powerful impression on the Mercy High students, many of whom expressed a renewed passion for pursuing careers in medicine, ethics, and social justice.
For more information on the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group and its initiatives, please visit https://henriettalackslegacygroup.org/about-hllg/