AUGUST 4, 2025
HENRIETTA LACKS COMMUNITY PAINT DAY
Location:
800 N Washington ST
Date and time
Sat, August 4, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
What we did!
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1. Local Voices.
The Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group & Grandson Alfred Lacks Carter shared a few words, grounding the day in legacy, gratitude, and purpose.
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2. Collaborative Painting.
Community members helped artist Shawn Perkins bring the Henrietta Lacks mural to life—brushstroke by brushstroke.
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3. Shared Meal.
We gathered outdoors for a free community meal, sharing food and fellowship with neighbors.
This wasn’t just a mural—it was a moment of collective ownership, healing, and pride. In a neighborhood deeply shaped by Henrietta’s legacy and ongoing disinvestment, residents were invited to help co-create a public tribute to one of the most impactful women in modern medical history.
The Process Behind the Mural
This mural began with community intention, not just artistic ambition.
Nosreme Baltimore and the Midtown East Community Association (MECA) worked closely with the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group and Maryland State Arts Council to launch an open call—prioritizing women-identifying artists whose lives had been impacted by the medical legacies tied to Henrietta Lacks. Six semi-finalists were invited to read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, meet with members of the Lacks family, and present anonymized mural proposals.
The design by Shawn Perkins was selected by the community for its vibrant storytelling and layered symbolism—from HeLa cells to spiritual symbolism and Black joy.
Community meetings were held to shape every step of the process. Residents voted on the final mural concept, ensuring the outcome reflected not just Henrietta’s story, but their own.
A Living Legacy
On August 2, 2025, the block at 800 N. Washington Street transformed into a vibrant, intergenerational canvas. With brushes in hand, neighbors became co-creators of a legacy that began just blocks away.
This is how we honor Henrietta—not just with paint, but with people.
Why is Henrietta Lack’s story so important?
Henrietta Lacks was a young mother whose cells, taken without her knowledge or consent, revolutionized modern medicine. Her "immortal" cells, known as HeLa cells, have been crucial in developing vaccines, treatments, and countless medical breakthroughs. Henrietta's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of ethical medical practices, informed consent, and the recognition of the contributions of Black women to science and health.
Our mural project aims to honor Henrietta Lacks' extraordinary legacy and bring awareness to her story and its ethical implications. By celebrating her life and contributions, we strive to educate the community about the importance of informed consent and the critical role that Black women have played in advancing science and medicine. This mural will serve as a lasting tribute to Henrietta Lacks, ensuring that her invaluable contributions and the lessons learned from her story continue to inspire and inform future generations. Your support in funding this project helps us keep her memory alive and fosters a dialogue about justice and equity in medical research.
Our collaborative approach to selecting a mural artist began with a Request for Proposals (RFP) that attracted over 50 submissions from talented artists across the country. After careful review, six semi-finalists were selected: Shawn Perkins, Melanie Royster, Georgie Nakima, Rae Akino, Austin 'Auz' Miles, and Betsy Casanas.
To ensure the chosen artwork would authentically honor Henrietta Lacks' legacy, we sought input from multiple members of the Lacks family, including Jeri Lacks and Shirley Lacks, as well as guidance from the Lacks Legacy Group and Midtown East Community Association. These invaluable conversations, along with a deep dive into "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by all artists, informed the creative process and helped shape the final artwork.
Through a community selection process, Shawn Perkins was ultimately chosen as our mural artist, bringing a unique vision and artistic talent to this important project.
Artists
Meet Shawn Perkins!
Shawn is a DC based artist whose mural work can be found all around the country. With Shawn’s mural sketch he wanted to create a bright and inviting design that catches the eye of any passersby. The palette features vibrant, neutral pastels, balanced with greyscale and subtle blacks for contrast. The design has an intentional “flow” with no harsh angles; this gives the artwork a feel of movement while complimenting the shape of actual human cells.
The focal point of the design is a portrait of Henrietta occupying the main wall, surrounded by illustrations of her "HeLa" cells and symbols related to Turner Station. Henrietta's life and legacy have a global impact, represented by symbols like the Earth and a diverse group of hands. The background includes subtle silhouettes that pay homage to the area and highlight unique facts about her history. This mural celebrates her story as well as the community of Middle East Baltimore.
Event Sponsors
Helmand Kabobi
Located just steps from the mural site, Helmand Kabobi is a neighborhood institution and community anchor in Baltimore’s Middle East neighborhood near the Johns Hopkins medical campus. For our paint day, they generously sponsored a full meal for the community, helping turn the event into a shared experience of culture, nourishment, and connection. Their ongoing presence in the neighborhood has long reflected a deep commitment to serving with care, flavor, and heart. Find out more
Blick Art Supplies
Blick Art Materials provided critical support that made our Community Paint Day possible. Their sponsorship funded the paint, brushes, and supplies that allowed over 100 residents to participate hands-on in completing the Henrietta Lacks mural. BLICK Art Materials is one of the largest providers of art supplies within the U.S. with over 90,000 items available online, in their catalog, and at their retail locations. Blick continues to empower artists and communities across the country—and we’re proud to partner with them here in Baltimore. Find out more
Neopol Smokery
A beloved Baltimore-based brand, Neopol Smokery is known for its smoked meats, bold flavors, and commitment to local community. For our Community Paint Day, Neopol added a joyful twist—sponsoring ice cream for all attendeesto enjoy after a day of painting. Their support helped create a full sensory experience rooted in food, culture, and celebration. Find out more.