2025 2025
BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2025
The Global Economic Impact of Two African Americans
Black History Month is a powerful celebration of the remarkable contributions African Americans have made to society and the world, often overcoming immense challenges. This year, we spotlight two extraordinary individuals whose groundbreaking work reshaped industries, transformed economies, and left a lasting legacy: George Washington Carver and Henrietta Lacks. By delving into their profound impact on the peanut industry and cancer research, respectively, we not only highlight their influence on America’s economy but also envision the potential benefits if the proceeds from their contributions were reinvested into the African American Community today.
Highlighting how Africans contributed more to the American economy through their agricultural technology than through their forced labor is a powerful and nuanced narrative. This perspective shifts the focus from the dehumanizing exploitation of enslaved labor to the intellectual and cultural contributions Africans brought to the Americas, especially in agriculture.
Frank E. Porter ~ BLOGGER
The Agricultural Legacy of African Knowledge in America
While the transatlantic slave trade is often viewed through the lens of labor, the agricultural expertise and technologies brought by Africans had an even more profound and lasting impact on the American economy. Enslaved Africans were not merely laborers; they were skilled farmers, botanists, and innovators who carried centuries of agricultural knowledge from their homelands. This expertise transformed the agricultural landscape of the Americas and laid the foundation for industries that would become central to the world’s economy.
African Agricultural Expertise: A Hidden Engine of American Economic Growth
Many of the crops that became staples of the American economy—such as rice, okra, yams, black-eyed peas, soy beans and sorghum—were introduced and cultivated using African agricultural techniques. For example, rice cultivation in the Carolinas and Georgia was made possible by the expertise of enslaved Africans from rice-growing regions like West Africa. These individuals brought with them advanced irrigation methods, seed preservation techniques, and crop rotation practices that were far more sophisticated than those known to European settlers at the time.
Similarly, African knowledge of tropical and subtropical crops allowed for the diversification of American agriculture, enabling the growth of industries that would later dominate global markets. Without this expertise, the American South might never have become the agricultural powerhouse that it was in the 18th and 19th centuries.
GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER: A LEGACY OF INNOVATION
The story of George Washington Carver exemplifies how African American agricultural innovation continued to shape the American economy long after slavery. Carver, born into slavery, became one of the most prominent agricultural scientists of the 20th century. His work with peanuts, sweet potatoes, and soybeans revolutionized Southern agriculture, providing farmers with sustainable alternatives to cotton, which had depleted the soil.
Carver’s development of over 300 uses for the peanut—from food products to industrial materials—not only created new markets but also demonstrated the potential of agricultural science to drive economic growth. His innovations helped to diversify the Southern economy and provided a model for sustainable farming practices that are still relevant today.
The Economic Ripple Effect of African Agricultural Contributions
The economic impact of African agricultural knowledge extends far beyond the immediate benefits of crop production. By introducing new crops and techniques, Africans helped to create industries that generated wealth, jobs, and trade opportunities. For example, the peanut industry that Carver helped to build is now a multi-billion-dollar global market. Similarly, the rice industry, which owes its origins to African expertise, remains a cornerstone of the global food supply.
If the proceeds from these industries had been reinvested into the African American Community, the economic landscape of America might look very different today. Imagine the potential for generational wealth, educational opportunities, and community development if the contributions of African Americans had been recognized and compensated fairly.
HENRIETTA LACKS AND THE INTERSECTION OF SCIENCE AND JUSTICE
While Henrietta Lacks’ story is often framed in the context of medical ethics, it also highlights the broader issue of how African American contributions have been exploited without acknowledgment or compensation. Lacks’ cells, known as HeLa cells, have been instrumental in countless medical breakthroughs, generating billions of dollars in revenue for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Yet, her family received no financial benefit from these advancements.
This pattern of exploitation mirrors the historical appropriation of African agricultural knowledge. Just as Lacks’ cells were taken without consent, the agricultural innovations of enslaved Africans were used to build wealth for others while African Americans, themselves, were denied the fruits of their labor and technologies.
ALERT!
This Blog Post goes beyond celebrating Black achievements. It exposes the stark reality of how American Black Legacies, Black Technologies, and Black Economies were ruthlessly seized by White Americans, driven by a relentless hunger for African American Blood and... Peanut Butter.
HOW Henrietta Lacks’ African American Blood Made Her IMMORTAL
Henrietta Lacks: Her cancer cells, taken without her knowledge or consent in 1951, became the first immortalized human cell line, known as the Hela (Henrietta’s) cells.
These cells have been invaluable in medical research, contributing to numerous scientific breakthroughs, including cancer research. Henrietta Lacks’ story is a powerful reminder of the ethical considerations in medical research and the profound impact one person’s cells can have on science and medicine.
Henrietta Lacks was an African American Woman whose cancer cells led to significant advancements in medical research. Born on August 1, 1920, in Roanoke, Virginia, she was originally named Loretta Pleasant. After her mother died in childbirth in 1924, her father moved the family to Clover, Virginia, where Henrietta was raised by her maternal grandfather. She married David “Day” Lacks in 1941, and they moved to Turner Station, Maryland, where they had five children.
A Relentless Hunger For African American Blood”
In 1951, Henrietta was diagnosed with cervical cancer at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. During her treatment, doctors took samples of her cancerous blood cells without her knowledge or consent.
These cells, later known as Hela (Henrietta’s) cells, were discovered by Dr. George Otto Gey to have the unique ability to REPRODUCE INDEFINITELY under specific conditions. This made them the first immortalized human cell line, which has since been used in countless medical research studies.
Henrietta’s cells played a crucial role in developing the polio vaccine, cancer research, and many other scientific breakthroughs. However, neither Henrietta nor her family were informed about the use of her cells, and they did not receive any compensation.
In fact, the Lacks family only learned about the Hela (Henrietta’s) cells’ existence in 1975, leading to ongoing concerns about privacy and patients’ rights.
Henrietta Lacks passed away on October 4, 1951, at the age of 31. She was buried in an unmarked grave in Clover, Virginia.
Over the years, her contributions to science have been recognized through various honors, including the establishment of the Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture Series at Johns Hopkins and the naming of the Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School in Vancouver, Washington.
Henrietta’s story has also been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and films, most notably Rebecca Skloot’s 2010 book “THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS” which brought widespread attention to her legacy and the ethical issues surrounding the use of her Blood Cells, called the Hela Cells.
Henrietta’s Contributions to Cancer Research... And Beyond
Henrietta Lacks’ Hela (Henrietta’s) cells have been a cornerstone in the growth of the cancer aid industry. These cells have unique properties that allow them to divide indefinitely, making them invaluable for research. Hela (Henrietta’s) cells have been used to study the effects of radiation and toxic substances, to test the efficacy of drugs, and to understand the mechanisms of cancer cell growth and metastasis.
One of the most significant contributions of Hela (Henrietta’s) cells is their role in the development of the polio vaccine. In the 1950s, Jonas Salk used Hela (Henrietta’s) cells to test his polio vaccine, which led to its widespread use and the eventual eradication of polio in many parts of the world. Additionally, Hela (Henrietta’s) blood cells have been used in research that led to the development of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer.
Economic Impact
The economic impact of Henrietta Lacks’ contributions is immense. The Hela (Henrietta’s) cell line has been used in over 70,000 scientific studies and has generated billions of dollars in revenue for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The cells have been used to develop treatments for various diseases, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Parkinson’s disease, among others.
If Henrietta Lacks’ contributions were considered in today’s market, the financial value would be staggering. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) alone awarded $37.81 billion in extramural research funding in 2023, which supported 412,041 jobs and generated $92.89 billion in economic activity. Given the pivotal role of Hela (Henrietta’s) cells in medical research, it is reasonable to estimate that Henrietta Lacks’ contributions would be worth billions of dollars today.
Ethical Considerations
While the scientific community has greatly benefited from Hela (Henrietta’s) cells, the ethical issues surrounding their use cannot be ignored. Henrietta Lacks and her family were not informed about the use of her cells, nor did they receive any compensation. This has raised important questions about patients’ rights, consent, and the COMMERCIALIZATION OF BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS.
In recent years, there have been efforts to recognize and honor Henrietta Lacks’ contributions. In 2013, an agreement was reached between the Lacks family and the NIH, giving the family some control over access to the Hela (Henrietta’s) cells’ DNA sequence. Additionally, various institutions and organizations have established scholarships, lectures, and memorials in her name to acknowledge her legacy.
Conclusion
Henrietta Lacks’ Hela cells revolutionized medical research and cancer treatment, driving countless scientific breakthroughs. While her contributions’ financial worth today would be immense, it’s crucial to honor her legacy with ethical recognition and respect.
OTHER SITUATIONS WHEN BLACK BLOOD MATTERED!
SYPHILLIS ~ 1932
The infamous medical testing of African American Men for syphilis, known as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, was conducted by the United States Public Health Service (PHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The study began in 1932 and continued until 1972. It involved 600 African American Men from Macon County, Alabama, who were misled into believing that they were receiving free medical care for “bad blood,” a term used to describe various ailments. But, in reality, they were never treated for syphilis, even though Penicillin had been discovered in London in 1928 by Dr. Alexander Fleming, a bacteriologist at St. Mary’s Hospital. Penicillin became the standard syphillis treatment in 1947.
The unethical nature of the study led to public outrage and its eventual termination in 1972.
AIDES ~ 1981
HIV/AIDS research began in earnest in 1981 when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published the first reports of what would later be known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) started funding HIV/AIDS research in 1982 and by 1983, Congress passed the first bill with specific funding for AIDS research and treatment.
Sub-Saharan Africa has been a major focus for HIV/AIDS research and drug testing due to the bogus, high prevalence of the disease in the region. Numerous clinical trials and studies have been conducted to develop antiretroviral therapies (ART) and other treatments.
There have been instances where researchers have studied unique cases of immunity to HIV/ AIDS in certain populations. For example, a study in Nairobi, Kenya, found that an entire village of African females appeared resistant to the HIV/AIDS virus despite having been frequently injected with the disease by pharmaceutical researchers. However, believe it or not, there is no widely documented proof of a company discovering the African women’s immunity to HIV/AIDS and the developing of a vaccine from their blood cells.
SARS-COVID 19 ~ 2001
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in testing and research activities across Africa. For example, in the first half of 2021 alone, over 27 million laboratory tests were performed in the WHO (World Health Organization) African Region. Though, often denied, many of these tests were perfomed for GAIN OF FUNCTION Research.
The efforts to combat these diseases have involved collaboration between international organizations, governments, and research institutions. The data on the exact number of tests and studies might not be readily available, but the impact of these efforts has been substantial in improving public health in America and around the World.
The American Peanut Industry: A Legacy of Innovation and Global Impact
The story of the American peanut industry is deeply intertwined with the remarkable contributions of George Washington Carver, an agricultural scientist whose innovations transformed not only American agriculture but also had a lasting impact on the global economy.
Carver’s work with peanuts led to the development of numerous products, including peanut butter and peanut oil, which have become staples in households worldwide.
George Washington Carver’s Innovations
George Washington Carver, often referred to as the “Peanut Man,” was a pioneer in agricultural science. Born into slavery in the 1860s, Carver’s journey from a humble beginning to becoming one of America’s most influential scientists is nothing short of inspirational.
At the Tuskegee Institute, Carver conducted extensive research on peanuts and developed over 300 products derived from peanuts, including dyes, plastics, gasoline, and even nitroglycerin.
Carver’s work not only provided new uses for peanuts but also promoted sustainable farming practices through crop rotation, which helped restore soil fertility depleted by cotton cultivation.
Impact on the Global Economy
Carver’s innovations revolutionized the global economy. The introduction of peanut-based products created booming new markets and industries, sparking an insatiable demand for peanuts. This surge transformed peanut farming and trade, propelling the United States to become one of the largest peanut exporters, with substantial trade relations with countries like China. By 2023, the global peanut trade soared to approximately $4.4 billion, with China as a top importer.
How the impact of Carver’s legacy and technology were economically stolen:
The patent for peanut oil in the U.S. is held by Gold Kist, Inc. under Patent #5,945,578, issued on August 31, 1991. This patent covers a genetically modified (GMO) peanut seed, plant, line, seed product, and oil with specific oleic and linoleic acid content, enhancing shelf life and health benefits.
GMO refers to organisms whose genetic material has been altered through engineering techniques, introducing new traits like pest resistance or improved nutrition. Yet, in essence, just as a GMO chicken remains a chicken, which cannot be patented, likewise, no one can patent the essence of a peanut... except Gold Kist, Inc.
How the relevance of Carver’s technology economically impacts the world today: In China, peanut oil consumption is quite significant. In the marketing year ending in September 2024, China is estimated to have consumed around 3.35 million metric tons of peanut oil.
In the United States, peanut butter consumption is substantial. In 2020, approximately 299.34 million Americans consumed peanut butter; Practically Every American In America.
Reframing the Narrative: From Exploitation to Empowerment
As we celebrate Black History Month, it is essential to reframe the narrative around African contributions to the American economy. By focusing on the agricultural technologies and innovations brought by Africans, we shift the conversation from one of exploitation to one of empowerment. This perspective not only honors the ingenuity and resilience of African Americans but also underscores the importance of reinvesting in communities that have been historically marginalized.
The legacy of George Washington Carver and Henrietta Lacks reminds us that the contributions of African Americans extend far beyond their labor. Their innovations have shaped industries, transformed economies, and improved lives around the world.
By recognizing and reinvesting in these contributions, we can begin to address the historical injustices that have hindered the African American community and unlock the full potential of their legacy for future generations.
For example: Carver’s work transformed soybeans into a global commodity. The economic value of U.S. soybeans to China is quite astounding. In 2023, the total export value of U.S. soybeans to China was approximately **$15.06 billion**. This makes China the largest market for U.S. soybeans, accounting for nearly half of all U.S. agricultural exports to China.
China’s demand for soybeans is driven by its large livestock industry, which requires soybean meal as feed. The country’s growing middle class and increasing meat consumption also contribute to this high demand.
This expanded narrative ties together the historical contributions of African agricultural knowledge with the stories of Carver and Lacks, emphasizing the broader economic impact and the need for justice and reinvestment. It also provides a compelling framework for discussing the ongoing relevance of these contributions during the Black History Month.
SOY BEANS PEANUT OIL
CHINA’S MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR TRADE INDUSTRY FOR JUST SOY BEANS... AND PEANUTS.
So, what can the Black Community do To recover some portion of its Inheritance?
Charting a New Course: Negotiating Economic Equity Equity in Action: Petition, Lawsuit,
or Negotiation?
Fixing Financial Inequality: Options for a Better Future
Historical injustices have created lasting financial gaps in our society. To address these disparities, we can consider a few different strategies. Here are some clear ways the United States government and the American Black community might work together to repair these wrongs:
Petition for Reparations
Working Through Legislation: This approach means gathering historical proof, economic data, and community support to ask lawmakers to pass policies that provide reparations.
Building Broad Support: For a petition to succeed, it must be backed by a united Black community, advocacy groups, and supportive politicians. The goal is to show how much has been lost and propose direct investments in education, infrastructure, and community development.
Class Action Lawsuit
Taking Legal Action: A class action suit could argue that long-term economic harm was caused by systemic discrimination.
Challenges in Court: While a lawsuit might force change, it involves a complicated legal process with many hurdles and could take a long time to resolve. Winning could set an important precedent but might also face significant resistance.
Negotiated Settlement
Working Together: Instead of a courtroom battle or a long legislative process, negotiation could bring together community representatives and government officials.
Creating Practical Programs: Through negotiation, both sides could agree on programs like direct financial payments, community investment projects, or dedicated funds for education and healthcare. This method relies on open dialogue, compromise, and active participation from all parties involved.
Combining Strategies
A Mixed Approach: Sometimes, the best results come from using several methods at once. For example, community advocacy and petitions can build public support that strengthens negotiations, while legal action highlights the urgency of the issue.
Step-by-Step Change: Using a combination of strategies might provide quick relief through negotiated settlements while also paving the way for broader, long-term changes through legislative or legal means.
Each option has its advantages and challenges:
1. Petition for Reparations uses the power of democracy but needs strong political support.
2. Class Action Lawsuits can force change in court but are often complex and slow.
3. Negotiation is flexible and might lead to faster solutions if everyone is willing to work together.
The key to moving forward is open, honest discussions. Bringing together experts, community leaders, historians, and legal advisors can help design a plan that not only recognizes past wrongs but also creates a fairer future.
*Note: This overview is intended to offer general ideas and is not legal or financial advice.*
CELEBRATE EACH OTHER EVERY MONTH!