POP-UP • UNVEILING EVENT

Henrietta Lacks Community Unveiling

A celebration of Henrietta’s life and legacy

    Project Data
  
Year
2025
Status
Completed
Location

          Henderson Hopkins, 2100 Ashland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21205
        
Performers

          Brandon Woody, Danny Janklow, Jivan Xander Ramesh, Katherine Ella Wood, Obasi Akoto, Keegan, and the Morgan State University Choir

Commissioned by

          Nosreme Baltimore
        
Funders

          -
        
Site & development partner

          -
        
Community collaborators

          Midtown East Community Association (MECA)
        
Documentation

          Wesley Photography

          LCL+Films

With the mural complete, the community gathered to celebrate Henrietta Lacks — her life, her legacy, and the neighborhood that carries her story — in partnership with the Midtown East Community Association.

On September 20, 2025, the afternoon opened with a ribbon-cutting at the mural site, with remarks from Shauntee Daniels (Baltimore National Heritage Area), Henrietta’s grandson Alfred Lacks Carter, Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, and Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor. From there, neighbors walked together into Henderson Hopkins.

The Morgan State University Choir opened the ceremony, followed by a conversation with Ryan Patterson of the Maryland State Arts Council and a talk and award from Delegate Stephanie Smith. A community-style dinner followed, and performances from members of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association and Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody closed the day.

What the Night Was

      01 — Gather
    
      Ribbon Cutting & Reflections
    
      We opened at the mural with remarks from the Midtown own East Community Association, Councilmember Phylicia Porter, Dr. Michelle Taylor (Baltimore City Health Commissioner), and Shauntee Daniels of the Baltimore National Heritage Area
    
      02 — Honor
    
      Performances & Tributes
    
      At Henderson-Hopkins, the evening continued with songs by Morgan State University students and remarks from Delegate Stephanie Smith, Maryland State Arts Council, Alfred Lacks Carter and others.
    
      03 — Celebrate
    
      Musical Celebration
    
      We honored Henrietta Lacks through music—featuring members of the Juilliard Black Alumni Association and a closing performance by Baltimore’s own Brandon Woody.

Featured Performers

Brandon Woody: Baltimore-born, Blue Note–signed trumpeter and bandleader; debut album For The Love Of It All (2025) with his band Upendo.
Danny Janklow: award-winning saxophonist who has performed with John Legend, Kamasi Washington, and Terrace Martin.
Jivan Xander Ramesh: cellist and composer; at five, the youngest string player to perform at Carnegie Hall.
Katherine Ella Wood: jazz vocalist and actress trained at Juilliard and NYU.
Obasi Akoto: double bassist and educator known for his work with Elvin Jones and Jazz Machine.
Keegan: a young Maryland church singer.

This event reflected our core belief that art can heal, connect, and celebrate the stories that shape our communities.