Roanoke Hidden Histories reaches fundraising goal for Henrietta Lacks statue

Henrietta Lacks shortly after her move with husband David Lacks from Clover, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1940s. The World Health Organization …

Henrietta Lacks shortly after her move with husband David Lacks from Clover, Virginia to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1940s. The World Health Organization chief on Thursday honored the late Henrietta Lacks, a Black American woman who died of cervical cancer 70 years ago and whose cells that were taken without her knowledge spurred vast scientific breakthroughs and life-saving innovations such as for vaccines for polio and human papillomavirus, and even in research about the coronavirus. (The Lacks Family via AP)

by: Odyssey Fields

Posted: Dec 15, 2022 / 04:31 PM EST

Updated: Dec 15, 2022 / 04:37 PM EST

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — After exceeding its fundraising goals of $160,000, the Roanoke Hidden Histories project will launch the next phase of completing the Henrietta Lacks statue at Lacks Plaza on Monday, Dec. 19.

The project will focus on acknowledging and documenting painful and troubling aspects of shared history and African American history. They say the goal is the bring overlooked history to life.

“Roanoke is the first to reach out to Henrietta Lacks’ estate. This a big deal,” said Ron Lacks, a relative of Henrietta Lacks.

The project will consist of two main components: the development of a virtual education tool that emphasizes “hidden history” at five community locations, and the creation of a sculpture.

On Monday Roanoke artist, Bryce Cobbs will unveil the life-sized draft of the statue. The drawing will be used as a reference by the sculptor Larry Bechtel.

Working on this project was a huge honor for me. I’m grateful for the Lacks family for entrusting not only me, but all the individuals involved in this project with the task of honoring the legacy of Henrietta Lacks. Their bravery, strength, and willingness to give knowledge is so commendable and was a major inspiration for me along this journey
Artist, Bryce Cobbs

The unveiling will take place at 11:15 a.m. at the Lacks Plaza across from the City Municipal building. Members of the Lacks family will be present at the event with civil rights attorney Ben Crump.