February as we all know it is Black History Month. This year is the 100th anniversary of the Henson mission. This will give the media an opportunity to finally tell his story so that Americans can developed an understanding of history and Henson's significance for our energy future.
Matthew Henson was the co-discoverer of the North Pole. He planted the American flag on the Pole in 1909. Henson's contribution to black history was also a contribution to American history and our future as a world. Because, of his achievement, Henson's body was placed in Arlington National Cemetery at the request of President Ronald Reagan. His partner on this mission to the North Pole was was U.S. Navy Commander Robert E. Peary.
Their mission was a immense geopolitical significance today, because of the resources near, around and under the North Pole and other Arctic regions, has drawn much interest to America's rivals and some enemies alike. Many Americans black and white myself included did not know that Henson played such a role in American history by placing a flag on the North Pole.
The movie Glory & Honor, honor's both Henson and Peary, and in 1986 a US stamp was issued. To much attention to Henson's discovery could get in the way of the United Nations gaining control over billions of dollars in oil, gas, mineral resources in the international waters mainly the North Pole. If this were to happen the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea(UNCLOS) would control the world body of these resources. In accordance with the UNCLOS the US and many other nations will receive access to resources off their coastlines.
"Despite the politically incorrect nature of the North Pole discovery, media interest and awareness is starting to grow. The southern New Jersey Courier-Post reports on the making of an epoxy bronze statue of Henson that will be displayed at a special ceremony on April 6. This is the actual date, 100 years ago, when Henson planted an American flag at the Pole."
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I can vaguely remember Henson's name being mentioned with Robert Peary's in connection with the North Pole discovery, but clearly, Peary got all the credit. I wonder how many other discoveries were the result of a joint effort, yet the person receiving the backing got all the credit. So, I'm glad to see the media finally recognizing Matthew Henson for his achievements at the 100th year anniversary of the discovery. As to the UNCLOS treaty, I'm assuming that if the US could get away with claiming the whole North Pole area and surrounding waters as American territory, it would. This must be the next best way to get at all that oil.
ReplyDeleteBack in the 1900's slaves were common so it doesn't suprise me that they so carelessly left Henson's name out of the discovery for so long. It is great that they finally gave hime the credit and honor he deserved. It just saddens me that it took them 100 years to honor the joint achievments of discovering the North pole. This reminds me of when Apollo 11 landed on the moon. As we all know, Neil Armstrong is known for the first man to land on the moon, but it was a team effort, and he was not alone. "Buzz" Aldrin Jr. accompanied Armstrong on the surface while their partner, Michael Collins orbited above. It seems when their is a great discovery, there is only room for one star at a time.
ReplyDeleteAll of this is true. It is sad that Henson did not get the proper recognition that he should have received years ago. Why now? The reason I think it is because at the time of the discovery we were not a segregated nation. If he were alive today, Obama would be praising him for the accomplishments that he did. In regards to the UNCLOS treaty, the UN is assuming we are in contorl of the North Pole eventhough we are not. We just discovered it. Same with the moon in 1969. I hope we find oil up in the Arctic and are able to drill. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI've only heard of Henson one time but it was a long time ago. But it is very often that African Americans don't receive the credit that we deserve. Prehpas with Barack Obama in office, this will all change but I feel that it won't make a difference. All the years that I have been going to public schools, I used to wonder why we barely or never used to talk about historical black figures, especially during Black History Month. Hopefully school boards will make a more concetrated effort on teaching kids about the contributions that African Americans have made to this country. This is my favorite blog that I have read all semester so far! Good post!
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