Every Month is Black History Month in Baltimore County: Exploring Black History in Our Backyard

When you think of Black history, what comes to mind first? Some will say Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s unforgettable ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Others will recall facts from elementary school speeches when they dressed up as historical figures like Florence ‘Flo Jo’ Griffith Joyner or Madame C. Walker. As a resident of Baltimore County, you do not have to look too far to find history makers whose contributions have influenced the world. Here is a look at some of the Black history in our backyard.
 

The story of Henrietta Lacks, a former Turner Station resident, is complicated, but powerful. When she sought medical care for cervical cancer, her doctor discovered that her cells – referred to as HeLa– did not die like typical human cells, but multiplied significantly over time. Lacks died from her cancer in 1951, but continued study with her cells has allowed scientists to understand how toxins, drugs, and viruses affected cancer cells without experimenting on humans. HeLa cells were also critical to the development of the polio vaccine, in vitro fertilization, gene mapping, and more. The benefits of the HeLa cell line are immeasurable, but they don’t erase the fact that the initial research with the cells was done without consent from Lacks or her family. Learn more about Henrietta Lacks’ story in the book and movie of the same name, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Benjamin Banneker, often referred to as the first African American man of science, was an author, astronomer, mathematician, urban planner, and Baltimore County native. In 1791, he was a major part of the team that established the original boundaries for the federal city that would become the nation’s capital. Over the next few years he published a series of revered almanacs, and exchanged letters with Thomas Jefferson about slavery and racial equality. You can learn more about his contributions at the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Catonsville, Maryland.

Additionally, if you are a person who needs history to jump off the page, maybe it’s time to plan a visit to the Hubert V. Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball. Since 2014, Owings Mills has been home to this year-round exhibition of photographs, artifacts, memorabilia, and graphic panels that tell the story of Maryland and the U.S. Negro League.

You may also want to research and plan a tour of historically Black neighborhoods in Baltimore County, including Turner Station. You’ll be surprised to see how many communities remain a living tribute to the families that lived there.

Even though Black History Month has officially come to an end, our celebration doesn’t have to. After all, Black history is American history. Share on social media other Black history facts you learned using the hashtag #BlackHistoryInBC and/or tagging us at @BaltCoGov on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.