MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Rebecca Skloot’s best-selling book, “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” will launch the inaugural year of MCC’s common read for 2013-2015.  On Wednesday, March 12, two presentations by descendants of Henrietta Lacks will allow the family to share her riveting story.

Henrietta was a 31-year-old wife and mother when she died of cervical cancer in 1951. Her cells — the first human-derived cells to grow in a laboratory — are known throughout the world as HeLa cells and have led medical researchers to develop the polio vaccine, anticancer drugs, and numerous other key discoveries. As the book explores, Mrs. Lacks and her family never gave consent for her cells to be used — nor were they ever compensated in any way.

The story of Henrietta Lacks has wide-ranging relevance — from bioethics and the historical practice of experimenting on African-Americans, to medical research, social justice, and science. Having moved from being victims to becoming proud of their family heritage, the Lacks family wants to raise awareness and encourage action to world problems such as: poverty, unemployment, racism, ethical issues, education, communication and tissue ownership. Today, the family is focusing on positive aspects of Henrietta’s scientific contribution to the world.

NOON DCC PRESENTATION
Damon City Campus, Room 4193
Free to MCC students, faculty and staff. Not open to the general public
The Lacks family will be interviewed by students of Verdis Robinson, instructor, History

7 P.M. BRIGHTON PRESENTATION
Warshof Conference Center in the Flynn Campus Center
Free to MCC students, faculty and staff, $7 for the general public
The Lacks family will be interviewed by students of Elizabeth Pierce, assistant professor, English/Philosophy

Tickets are required and are available online at: www.monroecctickets.com, at the Campus Center Service Desk at the Brighton Campus, and at the DCC bookstore, 4th floor.

For further information, please call the Office of Student Life and Leadership Development at: Ext. 2534.

The Lacks family visit is sponsored by MCC’s First Year Experience Program and the Academic Services Division.