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HELA100: The Henrietta Lacks Initiative

Educating future generations on the impact of Henrietta Lacks’ HeLa cells while advancing health equity and social justice.

HELA100: The Henrietta Lacks Initiative

Educating future generations on the impact of Henrietta Lacks’ HeLa cells while advancing health equity and social justice.

Recognizing Her Legacy Worldwide

The World Health Organization honors Henrietta Lacks for her contributions

On October 13, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed The Lacks Family for a special dialogue at WHO headquarters in Geneva, acknowledging the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, and her contribution to revolutionary advancements in medical science. The Lacks Family was honored to receive the WHO Director-General’s award, recognizing her world-changing legacy.

Upon accepting the award on behalf of his late mother, Lawrence Lacks said, "We are moved to receive this historic recognition of my mother, Henrietta Lacks -- honoring who she was as a remarkable woman and the lasting impact of her HeLa cells. My mother's contributions, once hidden, are now being rightfully honored for their global impact."

"My mother was a pioneer in life, giving back to her community, helping others live a better life, and caring for others," he added. "In death, she continues to help the world. Her legacy lives on in us, and we thank you for saying her name - Henrietta Lacks."

Click here to learn more.

This is not just a historic moment – it is a worldwide movement.

Watch the WHO award Presentation here

Her Legacy Lives On

historic recognition

On August 1, 2020, The Lacks Family hosted a virtual symposium to launch the year-long "HELA100: Henrietta Lacks Centennial CELLebration" to honor her legacy on the occasion of Henrietta's 100th birthday!

Advancing hela100

In honor of Henrietta Lacks’101st birthday, The Lacks Family announced the advancement of HELA100 as the “HELA100 The Henrietta Lacks Initiative”.

This year HELA100 commemorates 70 years since Henrietta Lacks’ HeLa cells changed the world and her untimely death on October 4, 1951.

HONORING HENRIETTA

Henrietta's HeLa cells, taken without her or her family's knowledge or consent, would become responsible for some of the greatest scientific advancements of the century and continue to benefit all of humanity.

LACKS FAMILY-LED

We, The Lacks Family, invite the world to support our mission to preserve our grandmother's legacy by educating future generations on the impact of her phenomenal HeLa cells while promoting health equity

and social justice.