HOUSTON, Tex. –– The family of Henrietta Lacks and national civil rights attorney Ben Crump have been named recipients of “The Galveston International Juneteenth Museum’s Dr. Ronald Myers Legacy Award.” This prestigious award is in recognition of their historic legal victory for the unjust enrichment derived from Henrietta Lacks’ immortal cells. The award ceremony will be held on June 26, 2024, at noon CST at Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas.
Henrietta Lacks’ cells, known as HeLa cells, have been instrumental in countless scientific breakthroughs since their discovery in 1951. Despite their critical role in advancing medical science, the cells were used without her or her family’s consent, leading to a long battle for justice and recognition. The Lacks family’s unwavering determination, supported by the legal efforts of Attorney Ben Crump and his team, resulted in a landmark settlement addressing the unethical exploitation of her cells.
Galveston International Juneteenth Museum board member and historian Samuel Collins III highlighted the significance of this award, stating, “The persistence of the Henrietta Lacks Family and the work of Attorney Ben Crump’s legal team to fight for genetic justice continues the legacy of the late Dr. Ronald Myers. Dr. Myers was a physician who worked in some of the poorest communities in Mississippi and was an advocate for a national Juneteenth holiday, but unfortunately died in 2018. The fight for absolute equality continues, and we are excited to award the first Dr. Ronald Myers Legacy Award to the Lacks family and Attorney Ben Crump in recognition of their historic legal victory for the unjust enrichment derived from her immortal cells.”
WHO:
The family of Henrietta Lacks
Attorney Ben Crump
The Galveston International Juneteenth Museum Board
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at noon CST
WHERE:
Emancipation Park
3018 Emancipation Ave
Houston, TX 77004
###
ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
