This is Matthew A. Henson. His name is not as popular in black history but he was the first person to stand at the north pole. At the age of 12 he had an interest in sailing but due to racism he stopped at age 18. After that he had began going on exploring expeditions with a US Navy sailor. They had made a few unsuccessful attempts to explore the north pole. It was not until Henson spent time and learned how Eskimos were able to live in the frigid cold climate, that they were able to make to the north pole in 1909.

Henson wrote a book about reaching the north pole and his other explorations but did not receive proper notoriety until after his death.



The first Female American to become a self made millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker, born Sarah Breedlove. Her claim to fame was the manufacturing company she founded that made hair and beauty products for black women.

Rather than just go over her biography I just want to make a few notes. I'm shocked that this is not a person that is popular in black history. This woman went from working in the cotton fields in in the late 1800's to becoming a millionaire.

I mean, were would we be without the hot comb?

But I don't know, that just seems really awesome to me.


and with that said...