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Community Corner

Turner Station Heritage and Praise Day Celebration honoring Henrietta Lacks

The Turner
Station Heritage and Praise Day Celebration honoring Henrietta Lacks is
scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Union Baptist Church, located at 105
Main Street, Turner Station, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Following the
official program, attendees will meet at the Community Post (formerly the VFW)
located at 411-A New Pittsburg Avenue, from 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.



This is
the 17th year of its existence and its mission of celebrating the
heritage and contributions of Turner Station to the state and the world remains
intact.  According to Servant Speed, resident of Turner Station and one of
the organizers of the event, “We are saddened by the demolition of key
landmarks in our community such as Sollers Point High School which was designed
by the famous African American architect Hilyard R. Robinson; yet, we will
vigilantly guard against the destruction of others and keep alive the spirit of
Turner Station that prevailed during its heyday.” 



The
keynote address will be given by David Lacks (grandson of Henrietta Lacks) on
behalf of his uncle Lawrence Lacks (Henrietta Lacks oldest son). 
Following the official program, representatives from the Johns Hopkins Bayview
will share literature on community health concerns and take the blood pressure
of attendees.  Additionally, vendors, a flea market, and other
entertainment will be featured.

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Sponsored
by Kingdom Economic System, the Turner Station Heritage Foundation Committee,
and the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group, the event is held on the first Saturday
of August each year (recognized by the state of Maryland as Henrietta Lacks
Day).  According to Dr. Adele Newson-Horst (Vice President of the
Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group), “The importance of Turner Station can never be
understated.  It is a symbol of the spirit of Black innovation and the
promise of prosperity that was realized during the segregation era. 
Although Jim Crow was a definite blight on our nation’s history, it afforded
Blacks the opportunity to, in many cases, take pride in their communities and
to contribute substantially to its economic well-being.  We’ve lost this
spirit.”  A free will offering will be
shared with Union Baptist Church, Lawrence Lacks, and our organizations. 



For more
information on the event contact Servant Speed at 410-340-4888.

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