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In observance of African American History Month, the Library of Virginia honored eight distinguished Virginians as African American Trailblazers for their contributions to the state and nation.
Library Director Dr. Virginia Cherry attended the 2011 African American Trailblazers in Virginia History Reception at the Library of Virginia on February 24. Honorees included:
Henry Box Brown (1815/1816–circa 1889)
Richmond
Abolitionist and Performer
Annie Bell Daniels
Newport News
Entrepreneur
Robert Walter Johnson (1899–1971)
Lynchburg
Physician and Tennis Coach
Henrietta Lacks (1920–1951)
Clover
Principal in a Medical Cause Celebre
Nominated by Dr. Virginia Cherry
John Rollinson (d. 1780)
York County
Entrepreneur and Landowner
Wendell Scott (1921–1990)
Danville
Stockcar Racer
Lucy Francis Simms (d. 1934)
Harrisonburg
Educator
John Arthur Stokes
Prince Edward County
Civil Rights Activist
Event Photos
Dr. Cherry poses with David Lacks, Jr., the son of Henrietta Lacks.
Henrietta Lacks was diagnosed with cervical cancer and during her treatment in a segregated ward at the Johns Hopkins University Hospital, researchers took a small piece from Lacks' tumor, without her knowledge, for research purposes. Scientists discovered that Lacks' cells reproduced outside of her body, a result researchers had been attempting to secure for decades. These "HeLa cells" are still used today in laboratories around the world and have helped further significant medical research.
David Lacks poses with Jeri Lacks Whye, granddaughter of Henrietta Lacks, and the Rev. Alfred L. Chandler of Scottsburg, VA.
Granddaughters and son of Henrietta Lacks
Dr. Cherry standing next to the large display of Henrietta Lacks at the Library of Virginia
The Library of Virginia maintains an event website with additional photos and information!
library@rbc.edu | Last Update:
May 13, 2011
