A time to reflect is Black History Month on what has been accomplished. Still, it is also a time to recognize the challenges that remain.
African Americans have made significant contributions of science and technology to politics, sports, and history.
The following are outstanding black Americans who have helped shape our country and world.
Matthew Henson: Arctic Explorer
Matthew Henson was born in Maryland just after the Civil War and had a hard-luck childhood.
At age 11, Henson lived with an uncle in Washington, D.C., after the death of his parents.
He traveled by foot to Baltimore, where he hoped to work on a ship. He succeeded, and he became a cabin boy on a freighter.
After six years of sailing the ocean, Henson returned to Washington and took a store clerk in a furrier’s shop.
And then…
Henson met Navy lieutenant Robert Edwin Peary at the store. Subsequently, Peary offered him a job as his assistant on a trip to Nicaragua.
Henson soon became a permanent member of Peary’s crew.
When Peary announced plans to reach the top of Greenland in 1891, he invited Henson along for the journey.
Throughout the 1890s,
Peary and his team returned to Greenland several times.
Henson was Peary’s go-to man because of his carpentry, mechanical, and dog-driving skills.
Peary would always make several attempts to reach the North Pole with Henson at his side over the years despite harsh weather.
Since time was running out for them in 1908 (Peary was 50. Henson 40), they decided to try one more time.
Difficulties in communicating…
Previously, there had been communication difficulties with the native Eskimos. To communicate with them, Henson learned their language.
By gaining the Eskimos’ confidence and trust, Henson paved the way for the expedition’s success (as did a unique ice-cutting boat built especially for the expedition).
He reached the North Pole.
Henson reached the Pole before Peary. But Peary trudged the last few miles to plant the American flag.
Peary appeared resentful of Henson for having arrived ahead of him. Their strained relationship persisted even after the return trip.
The Return to the United States.
Following Peary’s return to the United States, they hailed him for his accomplishments. Technically…Henson had gotten to the North Pole first… He did not receive the same attention.
President Taft appointed Henson to the civil service, giving him a more comfortable life.
In 1912…A time to reflect!
He published an autobiography, and a subsequent biography revealed Henson’s role in the North Pole expeditions.
He received the Congressional Medal in 1944 and the Presidential Citation in 1950. When Matthew Henson died in 1955, they recognized him as the co-founder of the North Pole.
Marie M. Daly: American biochemist
April 16, 1921-October 28, 2003
She is best known for becoming the first African American woman to earn a Ph.D. in chemistry in the United States.
Daly holds a bachelor’s degree from Queens College and a master’s degree from New York University.
Graduate of Columbia University, Ph.D. in chemistry.
After obtaining a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University, she taught and conducted research, becoming the first black woman to do so in the United States.
Dr. Daly’s groundbreaking research helped clarify how the human body functions. She died in New York City on October 28, 2003. Read More
Stay tuned for more stories of other extraordinary African Americans that played significant roles in building this country.
A time to reflect…Hope you enjoyed reading, and I hope to see you again soon!