damaneiceDec 24, 2022
Hairpik
Henrietta Lacks is about to get recognition despite the fact that it comes after decades of silence. Her sacrifice wasn’t voluntary but the entire world owes her regardless.
#blackfriday #blackmastadon #blackjoy #science #medicine
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/21/henrietta-lacks-statue-replaces-robert-e-lee-monument-virginia
Henrietta Lacks statue to replace Robert E Lee monument in Virginia

Lacks’ cells were taken from her body without her permission and used for numerous medical advances

The Guardian
Dec 23, 2022 at 10:33pmWeb
Show threadwednesday the valkyrjaDec 23, 2022

@hairpik

i am usually skeptical of moves like this when i know that her family hasn't been compensated. but i am happy that this is happening bc the family considers it an honor and i think the art has purpose. i hope they include a plaque with some of her story. more people should be aware. public opinion can make a difference.

Show threadAnne OminousDec 24, 2022

@superheroine @hairpik agreed re: public opinion. scientific opinion is shifting too. the family deserves so much more.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03042-5

Wealthy funder pays reparations for use of HeLa cells

Howard Hughes Medical Institute's six-figure donation is a step towards addressing racial injustice in the sciences.

Show threadDeb4+ aka Deborah DT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️Dec 24, 2022

@hairpik

People definitely owe her and that should be acknowledged and celebrated, and why not a statue?

Show threadHello57visDec 24, 2022

@hairpik

"decades of silence"
I am pretty sure I heard about this in the early 90s, as companies like Genetics Institute and Amgen were facing lawsuits/ethical issues over the money gained from HeLa cells
this book came out in 2010, and I am pretty sure it got a lot of press in the scientific community

I think, but am not sure, that the role of Ms Lacks was talked about quite a bit for many years prior to this

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/henriettalacks/immortal-life-of-henrietta-lacks.html

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Show threadacmDec 27, 2022
@hairpik Fitting that she'll replace a Confederate too. 🥾