02/23/2026
Today’s Spotlight for Black History Month: Pioneers in Medicine and Health Care:
HENRIETTA LACKS (1920–1951)
Without consent, her cells changed the world. 🔬
Henrietta Lacks’ cancer cells, known as HeLa cells, became one of the most important medical tools in history—used in cancer research, vaccines, and even COVID-19 treatments. Yet, for years, her family received no recognition or compensation. Today, we honor Henrietta Lacks for her involuntary yet invaluable contribution to medicine. 💜