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Ben Crump

Henrietta’s family does not plan to sue pharmaceutical companies that claim to profit from her cancer cells

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Photo: Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post via Getty Images

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Relatives of the late Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were harvested 70 years ago and used for biomedical research that continues today, have hired high-profile lawyers.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel Christopher A. Seeger conducted the hearing a press conference was held July 29 in Baltimore, attended by Lacks’ oldest son, Lawrence Lacks Sr., and lots of family members.

“The American pharmaceutical community has a shameful history of profiting from research at the expense of Black people without their knowledge, consent or benefit, which has led to pharmaceutical companies massively profiting from our diseases and our bodies,” Crump said. “There is no clearer example of this than Henrietta Lacks and the seemingly endless manipulation of her genetic material.”

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Born in Virginia, Lacks was a farmer who immigrated to Maryland. The wife and mother of 5 was treated for cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and died of the disease in 1951 on the age of 31.

Before her death, a sample of Lacks’ cancer cells was obtained during a biopsy sent to a cancer researcher’s laboratory. These cells, now commonly generally known as HeLa (using her initials), were discovered to have a tremendous property that had not been seen before: while other cells were dying, Lacks cells survived and doubled in size. Because HeLa cells may be grown repeatedly within the laboratory, they’ve since been utilized in medical and other research. Groundbreaking achievements include the event of a polio vaccine, treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and in vitro fertilization. There were also Lacks cells used in cosmetic tests and even sent into space to study the consequences of zero gravity. Recently yes supposedly utilized in research on COVID-19.

However, Crump claims that “pharmaceutical companies were unjustly enriched from this unethical harvesting of her cells, while Henrietta Lacks’ family was never provided with any equity.” He added that billions of dollars were made.

Seeger added that Lacks’ cells “have been profiting from large pharmaceutical companies for a long time…these companies have profited from Ms. Lacks’ ill-gotten genetic material, taken without her consent. This is solely fallacious and we intend to hold them accountable.”

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Speaking at a press conference last week, Kim Lacks called what happened to her grandmother “theft.”

Lacks’ story gained national and international attention after the book’s 2010 publication “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks”, writer and journalist Rebecca Skloot. The award-winning non-fiction book became a bestseller after which Emmy-nominated HBO film with Oprah Winfrey as daughter Deborah Lacks and Renee Elise Goldsberry as Henrietta Lacks.

Crump told ESSENCE that he and his legal team are “exploring all aspects of obtaining equity and benefits for Henrietta Lacks’ descendants.” The lawsuit is scheduled to be filed on October 4, the anniversary of her death. He said lots of of drug companies and others could potentially be sued.

ESSENCE contacted Johns Hopkins for comment and was directed to the web site by a spokeswoman. This states that Johns Hopkins “has never sold or profited from the discovery or distribution of HeLa cells and has no rights to the HeLa cell line.”

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The website further notes that within the Nineteen Fifties, when Lacks was hospitalized, there have been no established practices for informing patients or obtaining consent for the gathering of cell or tissue samples for research purposes, nor were there any regulations regarding the usage of patients’ cells in research. . “At Hopkins, it was common practice to obtain additional biopsy samples from cervical cancer patients for research purposes, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.”

The Lacks case under the influence updating the common principles that constitute the moral standard for patient informed consent within the medical environment. It requires doctors to inform patients if any aspect of their medical case might be used for research and to assign them a code number to ensure anonymity.

Crump, who has represented the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others in lawsuits related to deadly police encounters, said he believes Lacks’ case raises larger issues about race. “We must make America respect the value of Black lives.”

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Ben Crump

60 years after the murder of Malcolm X, his family calls to separate government files – essence

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Pioneer Malcolm X becomes the 1st black distinction in the Nebraska Hall of Fame

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It has been 60 years since the leader of Malcolm X was murdered on (*60*) 21, 1965 in New York, but his family continues to be demanding a solution. On the anniversary of his murder of his daughter, next to Ben Crump’s lawyer, they renewed a call to the federal government to reject long documents related to his murder.

“We think that this month of black history, now more than ever, we must tell the story of Malcolm X, one of the greatest mental leaders of the 20th century,” said Crump at a press conference in Manhattan on Friday,CBS News Reports.

Crump indicated earlier jet efforts, including the executive order of President Trump about the release of documents related to the murder of Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. “On this historic day on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the murder of Malcolm X, we formally ask the president to disinfect [the] Malcolm X files, “he said.

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Malcolm X daughter, Ilyasah Shabazz, repeated this demand. “Please only separate our father’s documentation, together with President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and, of course, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, “she said.

The family calls for these files until May 19, which could be a birthday of the leader of civil rights. This renewed emphasis on transparency occurs only a number of months after the Malcolm X family filed a lawsuit of $ 100 million against NYPD, FBI and the CIA, claiming that law enforcement authorities conspired to facilitate his murder, after which covered their commitment.

“Based on what we learned, examining these claims regarding our lawsuit on behalf of the Malcolm X estate, we are convinced that these records will show that in the 1950s there was a” deep state “like Martin Luther. Deliberate Malcolm X. These records will lie naked – said Crump.

The claim claims that the government not only didn’t protect Malcolm X, but in addition actively acted against him. “Despite the importance of gravity of threats, the FBI does not protect Malcolm X, instead actively threatens his safety, arresting his security team a few days before the murder,” says the criticism.

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Crump emphasized that these documents should be fully released without the editor. “These vile deeds must be publicly released so that they can serve as a moment that can be taught,” he said.

History has already proved that the official history of Malcolm X’s murder was deeply defective. Three men were sentenced to his murder and doomed to live in prison. But in 2021, two of them – Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam – were released after hearing many years behind bars.

Aziz was released after 20 years, but Islam never lived when he saw his name. Their families finally received $ 36 million in the undisputed convicting settlement.

“The American nation deserves to learn the truth about the federal government aiming Malcolm X and the final hiding so that his family and the American people never strive for justice committed harm,” said Crump.

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The Friday press conference took place in the very place where Malcolm X was murdered – the former Audubon ballroom, currently referred to as Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center. Standing in the space where her father took his last breath, Ilyasah Shabazz thought of the burden of the moment.

“I think about my mother, 60 years ago to this day, coming here and witnessing her husband’s murder and giving him a consolation when he took his last breath, here in this space, and focus and exchange this place in the Shabazz Center for others,” she said. “It was a challenge, but we could have quite a bit of faith that we are going to find a way to confirm his murder.

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Ben Crump

NYC Power Luncheon celebrates “Max’s eyes to prize III” – essence

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(LR) Leslie Asako Gladsjo, Geeta Gandbhir, Ben Crump, Jess Sibley and Samantha Knowles take part in the eyes of the awards, led by Jess Sibley, CEO Time Sagazine and Ben Crumpe on February 21, 2025 in New York.

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There is a saying that claims: “Undecused and dishonest story, it repeats”, and due to this fact it’s important to archive history in a way that makes it easy to be available for the subsequent generation to proceed the torch. On Friday, February 21, General Director of Time Jessica Sibley and lawyer of Ben Crump organized an opulent and intimate lunch to have fun the edition of the most recent a part of Max within the known “Eyes for the prize” A series of documents entitled, “Eyes for prize III: We who believe in freedom cannot rest 1977-2015” which premiere on February 25. This third a part of the series still documents moments within the history of America that emphasize the everlasting pursuit of civil rights, equality and racial justice in America.

NYC Power Luncheon celebrates
New York, New York – February 21: atmosphere view in “Eyes on the Awards” Intimate Luncheon, led by Jess Sibley, CEO Time Magazine and Ben Crump on February 21, 2025 in New York. (Photo Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO)

A beautifully chosen lunch took place at Your house is restored At Upper East Side Manhattan and it was a great location of cozy conversations about justice, justice and heritage. Famous guests are similar to HBO SVP of the Sara Rodriguez documentary program, the native son of the final director Emil Wilbekin, CEO of Wie Suite, dee Poku, global vice chairman of Dei in Tiffany & Co Stephanie Oueda, Time CMO Sade Muhammad, editor -in -chief of Sarah Burke, Mike Muse, To discuss many powerful and recent series.

NYC Power Luncheon celebrates
New York, New York – February 21: (LR) Leslie Asako Gladsjo, Geeta Gandbhir and Samantha Knowles take part in “New York New York. (Photo Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for HBO)

Manufactured by Dawn Porter (), This six -part original HBO documents is directed by a special director in each episode, which increases the general effectiveness of doctors in showing that it requires common effort from different environments to mix together for the greater good of all. A mention of civic rights requires a village. Sibley repeated this sentiment and shared: “It was a powerful and moving reminder of the struggle for civil rights in America. We had the honor to organize this lunch to celebrate the release of the series and continue the conversation about the race and equality. “

Building Henry HamptonThe original docus from 1987 change into much more closely and personally with people and communities doing work day by day. Crump expressed his enthusiasm to the series, stating: “It serves as an important chronicle of America’s history. In today’s world, it is necessary to understand the strength of our community and design this understanding outside. I felt honored with celebration with some directors of the series and a team devoted to sharing our narratives – human experience. “The series combines interviews with those that participated in movements from the past and present, and the archival material together with contemporary conversations creates powerful intergenerational content.

This event provided an environment conducive to significant conversations on topics emphasized within the series, and participants talked to some producers and directors of the series. About the timeliness of Docuseries Leslie Asako Gladsjo, producer of the series and director of Episode 6, which entitled “What Cons After Hope 2008-2015?” He said: “When we created this series, we focused on maintaining this countless story – we were not aware of what it turned out.” Episode Gladsjo Chronicle of the years of the primary black president of America and the looks of the Black Lives Matter movement.

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While some are wondering if constant talks about civil rights and social justice are necessary for the present generation, Samantha Knowles, director of Episode 2 entitled “Paned: 1989-1995” that it’s mandatory to have a look at civil leaders up to now to understand how to go ahead. “My episode takes place in the early 1990s and the chronicle of the criminal system and profiles public defenders. When I read James Forman Jr. Book winning the Pulitzer award, It was shaping for me, because as a public defender in the 1990s he saw his work as an extension of the father’s work in the 1960s and it was a framework for our episode, because it strengthened the reality that we exist in this larger heritage. And we were visually excited by the introduction of these similarities. “

Geeta Gandbhir, director of episode 1 entitled “America, Don’t Away Away 1977-1988”, shared similar sentiments concerning the need to quote those that did the work in many years. Gandbhir said: “I am so honored that I can follow in the footsteps of brave filmmakers who have created the original series by raising the spirit of our leaders, activists and everyday people who are still fighting for freedom, equality, equality and justice against all adversities.”

Surrounded by luxury and treated to the very best kitchen, which might offer every menu, the participants left lunch, wondering what role all of us play within the pursuit of capital and the way we are able to all higher appear for others. But is not that a goal? Access to strengthening the position of others. Timely conversations are necessary and films, television programs and documentary movies are an amazing way to maintain appropriate conversations.

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Ben Crump

Sonya Massey called the police for help. Deputy Illinois fatally shot her in the face – essence

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Sonya Massey called the police for help. Deputy Illinois fatally shot her in the face

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Deputy Sheriff in Illinois, who fatally shot a black woman behind a pot of water, was accused of murder. Sangamon Fine officer “In the face of three cases of first -degree murder, a deteriorating battery with firearms and official improper proceedings.”

These fees resulted from the incident at the starting of this month on July 6, when Sonya Massey called the number 911, informing the dispatcher about her fears about possible intruder. Sean Grayson, who’s white, and his partner responded to the 36-yr-old in her home Springfield in Il.

According to prosecutors, Grayson allegedly allowed Massey to put a pot of water that was heated on the stove. Grayson allegedly “aggressively shouted” at Massey above the pot and pulled a 9 mm gun. Then Massey put her hands in the air, said “sorry” and evaded the cover before she was shot in the face. Grayson also discouraged the second deputy to receive his medical set ” Associated Press Reports.

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Grayson dismissed his service weapon thrice. Massey was transported to a neighborhood hospital, where she was recognized as deceased.

Mary Rodgers, First state assistantHe wrote that “the second deputy continued to help and remained with Mrs. Massey until medical assistance came,” adding that Grayson “at no time tried to help Mrs. Massey.”

Grayson tried to propose a defense around the fear of his life, based on the Memorandum. But the investigation recognized as mortal strength was not justified, Grayson was released from the department. “It is obvious that the deputy did not act as trained or in accordance with our standards … With our badge we accept huge responsibility, and if this responsibility is abused, there should be consequences,” he said that there must be consequences “, there must be consequences Sheriff Jack Campbell.

An outstanding lawyer Ben Crump He represents the Massey family and believes that that is “a step towards justice for loved ones, especially her children who endured unimaginable pain and suffering since they were notified of this tragedy.”

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After the accusation of Grayson, Illinois JB Pritzker Governor said: “I am enraged that another innocent black woman took her life from the hands of a policeman.”

During the first appearance in court last Thursday, the 30-yr-old deputy sheriff didn’t plead all allegations before greater than 30 members of the family and supporters of Massey.

Public authorities Body camera material Today. In particular, Grayson didn’t activate his body camera only after shooting, but were capable of get material from the second deputy who activated his camera at their arrival.

Grayson could have its next court’s speech on August 26.

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