Statue of Henrietta Lacks (Roanoke, Virginia)

The Statue of Henrietta Lacks (Roanoke, Virginia) is a public monument honoring Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cancer cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, became the source of the immortal HeLa cell line. Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Lacks’s birthplace, the statue serves as a tribute to her lasting impact on science and medicine, and also acknowledges the ethical complexities surrounding the use of her cells.

The statue aims to recognize Lacks's contributions which were largely unacknowledged during her lifetime and for decades after. HeLa cells have been instrumental in countless medical breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine, cancer research, gene mapping, and in vitro fertilization. The statue serves as a visual reminder of Lacks's crucial role in these advancements and a symbol of the ongoing conversation about medical ethics, informed consent, and racial disparities in healthcare.

The effort to create a statue in Lacks's honor was driven by community members and organizations seeking to rectify the historical lack of recognition. The statue's installation marks a significant step in acknowledging Lacks's legacy and promoting awareness of the HeLa cell story and its ethical implications. The statue aims to educate the public and foster a deeper understanding of the intersection of science, ethics, and social justice. The statue and its surrounding area often serve as a site for educational programs and community gatherings focused on these themes.