© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Grandchildren of Henrietta Lacks in Lansing to discuss her medical legacy

Courtesy David Lacks Jr.

The Lansing Community College “One Book One LCC” initiative this year has focused on a community read of “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”, and it concludes Tuesday night with a chance to hear from two of her grandchildren. Lacks died in 1951, and cells from her tumor, taken for research without her consent, have led to ethical debates. Jeri Lacks Whye and David Lacks Jr. will be at LCC on Tuesday.Henrietta Lacks had an aggressive strain of cervical cancer, and the HeLa cells taken from her without her knowledge have been used in tens of thousands of medical experiments. The knowledge gained through that research has impacted the lives of countless cancer patients.

Current State’s Scott Pohl talks with David Lacks Jr. and Jeri Lacks Whye.

Scott Pohl has maintained an on-call schedule reporting for WKAR following his retirement after 36 years on the air at the station.
Related Content
Support Local Journalism in Mid-Michigan

WKAR delivers fact-based, independent journalism—free and accessible to all. No paywalls, no corporate influence—just trusted reporting that keeps our community informed. Your support makes this possible. Donate today.