Why You Should Know Henrietta Lacks

I read a story this morning in the February issue of O Magazine titled "The Miracle Woman." It is an excerpt from a new book about a woman named Henrietta Lacks who, back in January 1951, was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Mrs. Lacks went and was treated at Johns Hopkins because it was the only hospital at the time and in her area that would treat black patients. But unbeknownst to her, doctors at Johns Hopkins took a sample of her cells for research, put them in a tube and waited to see if they would die like other samples they had taken. To the researcher's surprise, Mrs. Lacks's cells did not die. Instead, they began to multiply at a rapid pace.

In October 1951, at the age of 31, Mrs. Lacks died from cervical cancer, but her cells still live today. And, without knowing her story, millions of people around the world have directly benefited from the Henrietta Lacks contribution to modern medicine.

Here's my favorite piece from the excerpt:

When Henrietta's children learned of HeLa, they were consumed with questions: Had scientists killed their mother to harvest her cells? Were clones of their mother walking the street of cities around the world? And if Henrietta was so vital to medicine, why couldn't they afford health insurance? Today, in Baltimore, her family still wrestles with feelings of betrayal and fear, but also pride. As her daughter Deborah once whispered to a vial of her mother's cells: "You're famous, just nobody knows it."

Read the entire story from O Magazine here.

I Heart Paulo Coelho

I love Paulo Coelho. I finished reading Brida this morning, and like all the other books he's written and I've read, I think you should finish it too. But until you do, you should read his blog.

Today, I give you a gift. A Declaration of Principles by Mr. Coelho himself.

I could read every word he's ever written and soon, I probably will.

Happy Friday.

- Femi

Declaration of Principles

Paulo Coelho

1] All men are different. And should do everything possible to continue to be so.

2] Each human being has been granted two courses of action: that of deed and that of contemplation. Both lead to the same place.

3] Each human being has been granted two qualities: power and gift. Power drives man to meet his destiny, his gift obliges him to share with others that which is good in him. A man must know when to use his power, and when to use his gift.

4] Each human being has been granted a virtue: the capacity to choose. For he who does not use this virtue, it becomes a curse – and others will always choose for him.

5] Each human being has the right to two blessings, which are: the blessing to do right, and the blessing to err. In the latter case, there is always a path of learning leading to the right way.

6] Each human being has his own sexual profile, and should exercise it without guilt – provided he does not oblige others to exercise it with him.

7] Each human being has his own Personal Legend to be fulfilled, and this is the reason he is in the world. The Personal Legend is manifest in his enthusiasm for what he does.
Single paragraph – the Personal Legend may be abandoned for a certain time, provided one does not forget it and returns as soon as possible.

8] Each man has a feminine side, and each woman has a masculine side. It is necessary to use discipline with intuition, and to use intuition objectively.

9] Each human being must know two languages: the language of society and the language of the omens. The first serves for communication with others. The second serves to interpret messages from God.

10] Each human being has the right to seek out joy, joy being understood as something which makes one content – not necessarily that which makes others content.

11] Each human being must keep alight within him the sacred flame of madness. And must behave like a normal person.

12] The only faults considered grave are the following: not respecting the rights of one’s neighbor, letting oneself be paralyzed by fear, feeling guilty, thinking one does not deserve the good and bad which occurs in life, and being a coward.
Paragraph 1 – we shall love our adversaries, but not make alliances with them. They are placed in our way to test our sword, and deserve the respect of our fight.
Paragraph 2 – we shall choose our adversaries, not the other way around.

12A] We hereby declare the end to the wall dividing the sacred from the profane: from now on, all is sacred.

14] Everything which is done in the present, affects the future by consequence, and the past by redemption.

15] Dispensations to the contrary are herewith revoked.

In Spite of Our History, Today There is Real Hope for Haiti

I've been hesitant to comment on Haiti. I've been asked a lot of questions, received a number of emails from friends with information, articles, etc. Thank you for those. Since my trip to Europe, I am now just catching up on all my news because for me, CNN and BBC are never enough.

I don't have much to add to the conversation, because I am watching the world say it all. What I would like to say though, is that more than a hundred years ago the world turned its back on Haiti. Because of the successful insistence of the Haitian people that they would be free, the most powerful in the world shut the country's leaders out of the international discussion, and required them to pay millions for its independence because of the losses their colonizers would incur. This placed the country into a debt it could not repay until a century later.

Most recently, in 2004, Jean-Betrand Aristide, the country's first democratically-elected President, was removed/escorted from the country by the US military. The international community says (with evidence) that he was not acting in the best interests of the country, so he was (undemocratically) removed and has since spoken out. I don't know enough about this situation, so I wont comment on it. But Aristide and many others have had much to say. Read about it here.

In 2008, ABC produced a special titled "How to Buy a Child in 10 Hours," as a reporter was able to order, purchase and retrieve a Haitian child in less than a day. The special highlighted the dire poverty and human rights abuses occurring in the country and simply asked the audience and the world, why and how, in 2008 this could happen.

Last night, celebrities from all over the world used their status and their talent to call attention to this small island, that lies 681 miles away from Miami. This morning, as I write this entry, the UN has declared the search for Haitian survivors over. The death toll is over 111,000 people.

Honestly, I don't know how I feel about Haiti right now. On one end my heart is bleeding for the tragedy these people have experienced, knowing that if it happened to me and members of my family, I don't know how strong I could be. On the other end, I am disturbed by the lack of infrastructure that is now preventing aid from reaching them because of the intentional exclusion the country experienced since its people refused to be ruled by anyone other than themselves in 1804.

So I don't know. I'm just watching this story unfold with hope in my heart, because always in the midst of such tragedy lies such great opportunity. This is another turning point in Haiti's history, and therefore in the history of our world. As those on the ground in Haiti continue to bury the dead, and as we watch, my hope is that once they are laid to rest, the country and the world will decide that this will be a new beginning. I hope this will be the chance for the Haitian people to give and invest in their country and in the world, instead of an opportunity for those with selfish interests to divest and take away what the country has to give.

I will also say that I believe a certain musician, born in Haiti and raised in Brooklyn, was made to be who he has become in this moment. Mr. Wyclef Jean, the world has your back. Thank you for being who you are.

So, I guess I had more to say than I thought. But I'll sum it up with this...

More than a century ago, the world closed its eyes on Haiti. Today, it cant keep its eyes off.

Mon coeur est avec toi Haiti...

Wyclef Jean speaks on Haiti... if you haven't seen it already, its worth 20 minutes of your time. Find out how to give here.

Final Thoughts from My Trip.

• Visited Vatican City on Sunday. What an interesting place.
  
  
• Stopped in a pizzeria close to the Vatican and met Ayad and Mona Lisa, the young man and young woman who run it. Ayad spoke very little English, but did what he could to ask where we were from. Once we told him America, he began to say how much he loved and appreciated Obama because he is for peace and love for the whole world. Bush, he said, he did not like because he was for war everywhere - in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, everywhere. I did my best to speak the little Italian I've been learning to keep the conversation going. Soon, we started to use pieces of the paper Ayad uses to wrap pizza and began to write words down like days and numbers, names and places in Italian on one side and English on the other. Eventually, Mona Lisa who was sitting outside, came in when she heard me telling Ayad that I was a journalist by training. Mona Lisa could somewhat understood and translate for both of us, so after she joined the conversation got really good. We still used Italian and English (me referring to my cheat sheet) and we talked about quality of life in America and in Rome, and how much both of us make on a monthly basis. Ayad said he wanted to move to NYC and that because I was a journalist, he could be my photographer and camera man and take a portion of my salary. I told him I would absolutely love that. Coincidentally, before we left, "Empire State of Mind" was playing on the radio. Mona Lisa said she liked JayZ. I told her that I'd keep that in mind. We exchanged email addresses and they told me to make sure I come back next year. I told them I would return, and that next time, I'd know much more Italian. (photo)
  
  
• The food in Rome is fabulous. Italy wins.
  
  
• It is impossible, I think, to do anything new or different and be the same. During and afterwards, you wonder "what if?" The thought alone changes everything.
  
  
• I saw a book on Spike Lee's films at a street sale in Rome. I almost bought it, but I didn't hoping that someone who had never heard of Spike might stop by, see it and purchase it instead.
  
  
• Never stop forgiving yourself and everyone else.
  
  
• I bought a BUNCH of postcards for friends and family with the intention of mailing them from Rome and London. Post office in Rome was closed on Sunday and we left too early to make it on Monday. Then, because our flight to London was delayed and we couldn't miss our connection (or the extensive security checks), I couldn't mail them from Heathrow.
  
  
• If you get a postcard from London or Rome with an American stamp, that was mailed from either Washington, DC or Charlotte, NC. Its from me.
  
  
• I started reading "Brida" another novel by Paulo Coelho. In the introduction, he writes: "Tradition says that, in life, each person can take one of two attitudes: to build or to plant... The builders might take years over their tasks, but one day, they finish what they're doing. Then they find they're hemmed in by their own walls. Life looses its meaning when the building stops. Then there are those who plant. They endure storms and all the many vicissitudes of the seasons, and they rarely rest. But unlike a building, a garden never stops growing. And while it requires the gardener's constant attention, it also allows life for the gardener to be a great adventure. Gardners always recognize one another, because they know that in the history of each plant lies the growth of the whole World." After this trip, for me, that could not be more true.
  
  
• Always be ready and willing to give a deserved compliment. It does just as much for the person giving it as it does for the one receiving.
  
  
• My mom is so happy that she has phone service again, she is texting me from the other side of the room.
  
  
• Its always a good time to make new friends.
  
  
• These last couple months I've been really thinking and exploring my relationship with God, and this trip has truly brought me closer. I hear people talk about getting closer to God all the time, and I'm not always sure what they mean. But for me, this last month has clarified it much more. I am understanding more now that God, to me, is the unifying, universal source of all being and becoming that we are all connected to, no matter how we choose to express it. Be it in a temple, in a church, in writing, or even in a pizzeria - when we truly connect with a complete stranger, praise and say thank you to something or someone we can describe but sometimes can't see, feel but sometimes can't touch, hear but sometimes can't find the words to say, we are indeed taking a step closer to God and bringing his awareness into our lives and into the lives of those around us. If we see ourselves as a part of everything and everyone else, to whom would we do any harm? That, to me right now, is God. So yes, this experience has brought me much closer in realizing I need much more of that in my life and that no matter where I am, he and it is there, as long as I stay aware, awake and continue to pay attention.
  
  
• “The people who are trying to make this world worse. . . are not taking a day off. Why should I?” - Bob Marley
  
  
• And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.
  

Thoughts from Rome.

With a little London still on my mind...

• I stayed up last night learning Italian words and phrases and making a cheat sheet. This morning, on our quest to find the bus stop, I had my first (somewhat broken) conversation in Italian with a young man. Though he sent us to the trolley stop and not the bus stop, he did put us on the right path AND put me in a great mood. I've been using the words and phrases all day.
  
  
• *Note to self* If push comes to shove, once you see a bus, follow it. It'll always lead you to a stop.
  
  
• Once we got on the bus, it held traffic up for about 20 minutes because a Range Rover parallel parked with its right half in the middle of the road. Our bus driver wouldn't move. People came from everywhere to help. Finally, the good people pushed all the rear view windows on all the cars near the Range Rover toward the drivers side so we could pass. We did.
  
  
• Scooters and Mini's are very popular in Rome.
  
  
• Made it to Stazione di Roma Termini (main train station in Rome), took a long walk to the Colosseum.
  
  
• I believe the street artists here are inspired by the work of their creative ancestors but that they may not know/have the best resources to express their creativity. The streets are filled with graffiti.
  
  
• The Colosseum/Palatino/Arco di Tito/Forum, etc are amazing. Simply amazing.
  
  
• Took the English walking tour at the Colosseum/Palatino for 20 Euros. Worth every cent.
  
  
• Did you know the blood from the gladiator games was drained and soaked up with sand? And did you know that the Spanish word for sand is arena? Me either. Take the tour.
  
  
• Do not make calls from London with your debit/credit card. Much cheaper to use the internet in an internet cafe for 45 hours. Trust me. I know.
  
  
• Pay attention to signs in Rome. Especially McDonald's signs. They will help you if you get lost. This too, I know.
  
  
• McDonald's in Rome sells shrimp, but KFC in London does not sell biscuits or wedges.
  
  
• You can tell the extent of the Roman empire at the time by the marble in the structures. Roman marble is pure white, other colors indicate conquered land. Take the tour.
  
  
• Asked a guy on the street to take our photo today. We started talking, and David (his name) asked us where we were from, then he asked us where we were really from. I told him I didn't know, but that we soon would. (I plan to do my ancestral search soon. It's been on my list for a while.) Then, David told us about a project he and his friend Duncan are working on which is bringing descendants of the African Diaspora together. Turns out David and Duncan are working on a documentary here and invited us to a concert tomorrow at the New Rome Fair at 3pm with Ghanaian Reggae star Rocky Dawuni. He said the concert will be a part of the film and that it has been commissioned by the Pope. David also said around 300,000 people will be there and that it will be the final show of the Journeys of the Spirit Festival. Best of all, its free.
  
  
• I will be going to a free concert in Rome tomorrow with my mom and my two new friends from East Yorkshire, David and Duncan.
  
  
• Never be afraid to talk to strangers. Just, before you do, use your best judgment.
  
  
• My mom cant find anything on TV right now, so she is watching the Top 100 Hip Hop songs on VH1. She is not happy.
  
  
• I now understand what people really mean when they say "All roads lead to Rome."
  
  
• Resolved: Before I leave this earth, I will speak Spanish, Italian and French.
  
  
• Rest in Peace Teddy P.
  

Thoughts from London and now... Rome

My thoughts continued...

• Made it to Rome today. Free internet in the hotel, thank God.
  
  
• One of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen: the mountains and the ocean from my airplane window on the way to Italy. Hard to tell where the earth or the water ended and the sky began. Simply Breathtaking. (photo)
  
  
• Went to Buckingham Palace, saw paintings, furniture and jewelry from the Queen's Gallery. Sometimes I find it hard to fathom that places, paintings and pieces like that were crafted and created by human hands.
  
  
• Standing outside of the Palace gates, a lady came up to mom and I and said she was from Hungary. She said she was a teacher of 9-12 graders and asked if my mom and I would record a message for her students who were learning English b/c we "just looked so encouraging." My mom didn't do it, but I did. So here I am, in front of Buckingham Palace, giving a motivational speech to teens in Hungary. I told them to continue doing their best in school and that in America we appreciate what they are doing in Hungary. I told them to continue learning English and other languages so that they can communicate with people around the world because we want to know who they are and we want to hear their stories. I told them that we love them and that hopefully, we'll see them in America or somewhere else very soon. I really enjoyed doing that. It made my day. (photo)
  
  
• Went to St. Paul's Cathedral. Took photos outside, then realized they were having service inside. Of course we went in and took a seat. I tried to look forward, but couldn't stop looking up and around. I'm still exploring the many ways humans choose and have chosen to express themselves to God and vice versa. I'm certain that St. Paul's Cathedral is a continual conversation between the two. It is miraculous, it is majestic. It's hard to describe and no photos are allowed. Everyone should see a place like that at least once in their lifetime.
  
  
• I also really enjoyed the evening service at the cathedral. I liked how the songs softly echoed off the walls. We prayed for the people of Haiti and for one of the priests who had become a member of the police department. I appreciated how peaceful things were during my time there. When I left, I felt so much lighter. If I lived in London, I would spend a lot of time at St. Pauls. I'd just take a seat and breathe.
  
  
• I miss my dog.
  
  
• Transportation in London is very intuitive and user friendly. But, for the streets of London to be so small, the buses sure are big.
  
  
• Rush hour in London is like no other. Stay clear of it if you can.
  
  
• Piccadilly Circus is like a mini Times Square/Fifth Avenue. (Sorry I missed you Jason!)
  
  
• Walking down the street I saw Muhammad in the cafe he works in. He spotted me and smiled. I waved and smiled back.
  
  
• I adore the way men dress in London. The outfits are so well put together. The tailoring is superb.
  
  
• Sometimes on this trip, I watch my mom as she is looking around. She doesn't notice me, but it makes me smile. Seeing how happy she is being here brings joy to my soul. She deserves this and so much more.
  
  
• *Note to self * - Travel with a universal adapter
  
  
• Watched UK TV Thursday night. There were many more people of color. I guess it was just the time I was watching before. After one episode each, I am now hooked on "Material Girl," and "Silent Witness." I will be Huluing this season.
  
  
• Finished "Veronika Decides to Die" by Paulo Coehlo last night. You should finish it too.
  
  
• Italy is a bit intimidating because I don't speak Italian. It's a strange feeling being unable to communicate with people, and especially when they seem to have little patience.
  
  
• *Note to self* Learn another language, or two or three...
  

Thoughts from London

I'm saving money by working from an Internet Cafe in London. I cant see paying £5.00/hr. Or $20.00/mb to use my iPhone. So, these are a few of my thoughts while I'm here. I'll update when I can. I'm keeping a written copy too, so maybe I'll elaborate when I get back to free wi-fi. Then again, maybe not.

• London, like New York, is a city of immigrants. That's what makes it so interesting.


• mom and i walked down oxford street for abaout 5 hours yesterday. its kinda like 42nd street in nyc. lots of shopping, lots of people. lots of languages. yet, i noticed, all the people on tv here are white. maybe its just my hotel tv. i hope so, because the streets are so much more interesting to watch.


• While my mom and I were sitting in a cafe yesterday, we saw a lady walk by. She was older and was extremely hunched over. Later we went to the Marble Arch and there the woman was again, with bread and a bag of bird seed, feeding about 50 pigeons. now i know why she had the hunch and why perhaps, she doesn't mind. (photo)


• The guy at the reception desk in my hotel is super sweet. He's from Madrid. This morning, I asked him his name. He said with a smile, Perfecto. I said, are you serious? he said yes. I said, I love it.


• Mom and I got fish and chips (french fries) yesterday, from a small shop off Craven. The cook was flirting with me. i promise. so, i decided to ask him questions. His name was Muhammad, he's from Egypt. he's lived in London 5 years (photo). he and another man who worked or perhaps owned the place, gave us directions. not sure to where. the other man's name was Ahmed. before mom and i left, Muhammad said to me "see you tomorrow." see, i told you he was flirting. i did not mind.
  


• i woke up at 5am this morning. mom was still sleep so i read and wrote. it was 8am before i saw the sun rise.


• bbc reported the earthquake in haiti this morning. the reporters said it was a 7.0. five minutes later another reporter said it was adjusted to a 4.9. i thought, what does it matter, people are dead.


• mom said she remembers being in an earthquake when we lived on the 14th floor in brooklyn. she said its scary no matter where you are, at the bottom or at the top. i said, you know mom, you're right.


• its snowing.
  
  
• biggest news story here: tony blair and his crew "sexing up" the iraq report for parliament, already agreeing to go to war through private letters to bush. yes, every reporter uses "sexing up" to describe lying.
  
  
• on the flight over here a man in the middle aisle kept watching me. before we departed i saw him hold on to his rosary beads and do the cross thing over his chest. once we got in the air, he ordered 4 glasses of vodka and coke. i felt that everytime i looked up, i noticed he was looking over his shoulder at me. perhaps its because he felt me looking at him. he was right.