A Family Perspective on 'Henrietta Lacks'

EVANSTON, Ill. --- At 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, David “Sonny” Lacks -- third son of Henrietta Lacks -- will present his unique perspective on the creation of the HeLa cell line and issues of ethics and racism raised in Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” The book is the 2011-2012 One Book One Northwestern selection.

Henrietta Lacks died on the “colored ward” of a Baltimore hospital, but her cells, taken without her permission in 1951, live on as one of medicine’s most important tools.

Evanston Health Department director Evonda Thomas will moderate the discussion with David Lacks, who will be joined on stage by his daughter, Jeri Lacks Whye, in Room 107 of Harris Hall, 1881 Sheridan Road. A book signing will follow.

The need for kidney transplantation doesn't match our capacity.

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