Henrietta Lacks Traveling Museum at
Della Soul Records

My name is Della Marie Levi, and I am the owner of Della Soul Records, a vinyl record store, community hub, and a place to buy unique gifts and enjoy intimate listening sessions with local artists. At Della Soul Records, we unapologetically celebrate Black music, history, people, and culture.

 

On Saturday, September 26, the Henrietta Lacks Traveling Museum is making a stop at Della Soul Records located at 1220 Kalamazoo Ave, Se, Grand Rapids, MI 49507.  The event will be held from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.  Ancestor Henrietta Lacks, a married mother of five, transitioned from cervical cancer in 1951 at the age of 31.  Surgeons at Johns Hopkins Hospital harvested cells from her cancer tumor without her permission, or the knowledge of her family. These cells became the basis for the first immortal human cell line, HeLa cells.  Variations of HeLa cells have been used in research all over the world, and have driven major medical breakthroughs including the polio vaccine, cancer treatments, and IVF over the past several decades.  The museum is curated by her great nephew, Jermaine Jackson.  He will be present at the event and sharing information about Ancestor Henrietta Lacks. In addition to the information provided by Mr. Jackson, guests will see artifacts, and learn more about the fascinating HeLa cells, as well as the life of Ancestor Henrietta Lacks. 

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Please consider providing sponsorship dollars for the event.  There are several costs associated with the Henrietta Lacks Traveling Museum, and we need your help to bring this fascinating and life-changing exhibit to Della Soul Records.  A commemorative booklet will be created for the museum, and sponsors can purchase space in the booklet for an advertisement to offset museum costs.  Booklets will be distributed to guests at the event.  Levels of sponsorship for the booklet are attached via the link below.  Please note that there will be no cost for community members to visit the museum as we want as many people as possible to attend this important and captivating event.

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If you have any questions, would like more information, or to become a sponsor, please contact Della Marie Levi at (616) 304-9379 or DellaSoulRecords@gmail.com.  Thank you for your consideration and support.

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