Comments on: Lessons in Manliness: Matthew Henson

By: Albert R

Albert R — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:55:03 +0000

Aloha.
Aloha! The November 2009 Smithsonian magazine printed a story – “Polar Legacies “- that featured Matt Henson and his journey to the North Pole with Peary. I knew a little about him as being the companion of Peary in the trip to the North Pole, but I had no idea of the scope of his activites in getting there until I read your article. The article points out also that on April 6, 2009, a commemorative case honoring Henson was placed at the precise North Pole. Finally, it appears, he is getting the recognition he rightfully deserves!
Mahalo nui loa for your great contribution to giviing him the recognition he deserves.

By: Mike

Mike — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:02:31 +0000

My first read on your site, and I am impressed! Thanks for introducing me to Matthew Henson. Amazing determination and adaptability, indeed. That man deserves to be known and respected.

I’m looking forward to seeing more of your site. Great styling and design! I echo ronMan’s post above, for the “depth, detail, and honesty” of your essay. Keep it up!

By: Damon Cunningham

Damon Cunningham — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:42:46 +0000

Thank You, thank you,thank you. I have known of this this story for over a decade. But many people have dismissed it when I talk about it. I saw a show a few years back that managed to find the living decendants of Henson. He has a large family still living in Geogia I believe. They werte actually able to find some Inuit relatives who flew to the south for a family reunion.

By: Roderick Williams

Roderick Williams — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:41:09 +0000

I am an African American man who spent the first 9 years of school in segregated schools, in Jacksonville, FL, and we were taught about Matthew Henson and many other African and African American men and women whose contributiions to world history was largely overlooked by the dominant society. It is a very good thing that today the larger society is finally catching up to where we were in our little segregated school, in the early sixties.

By: RonMan-007

RonMan-007 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:33:15 +0000

I am not quite sure how I found your website. I was intriqued by the title and admit to being attracted to the concept. I have long known about Matthew Henson and taught my children of his expolits. Your article, given its depth, detail and honesty have won me over as a fan of your site forever. Well done.

Ron Smith

By: Elliot Ness

Elliot Ness — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:59:08 +0000

Cool post.

By: Gianpaolo Pietri

Gianpaolo Pietri — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:13:19 +0000

As a History buff, it is precisley stories of this nature that move me. It’s got all the ingredients to inspire us all. They say that the most valuable skill in aging well and achieving maximum longevity is one’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing set of conditions. Those who can adjust, live longer … or so they say, and it rings true in this case. I write a series called Mastering the Great Masters. Mr. Henson, although previously unknown to me, deserves a spot on that list. We can all learn a great deal about a great many things from his inspirational biography. This was truly a great read, as a great many articles here are. It is a must-know story for anyone seeking out the danger and adventure of Arctic exploration.

By: Robert Fahey

Robert Fahey — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:30:49 +0000

This does not surprise me in the least. I have been doing prison ministry for 15 years and have come very close to people of color who are extremely intelligent when you get to know them. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time doing something they should not have done. My wife & I recently adopted an African-American baby, (now 3 yrs old) when I was 65 yrs old I might add, and he is the love of our life with his sister who is by-racial and adopted as well. Over 1700 black babies are killed by abortion each day in the United States. Do we as a nation realize how many doctors, lawyers, preachers etc are gone forever by this crime against humanity? Bob Fahey, Hubbardston, Michigan

By: Jorrit Jorritsma

Jorrit Jorritsma — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:28:28 +0000

This is a wonderful, wonderful introduction to Henson. It’s enough to break your heart that he was so unacknowledged by Peary. These untold stories of injustice need to be told. It reminded me of the men who made up the first Australian cricket tour of the UK in 1868 – a team of Aboriginal cricketers, led by a white man. The team played at Lords and the Oval cricket grounds, their key player was commended by the likes of W.G. Grace, but they returned to Australia to find that a “Protection Act” had been passed, confining Aborigines to missions and segregated settlements. Men like this – who had triumphed against adversity – and Henson deserve celebrating and being vindicated by history.

By: Vagrarian

Vagrarian — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:41:39 +0000

I’m a Marylander born and bred, and we learned about Matthew Henson in elementary school. When we visited the state capitol building, there was a plaque dedicated to Henson. He’s always been someone I admired.