Black History

Investigation Raises Questions About James Brown’s Death

THE FLORIDA STAR — James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul”, was 73 when he died in Atlanta, Georgia.

Published

5 years ago

February 13, 2019

By The Florida Star

James Brown, the “Godfather of Soul”, was 73 when he died in Atlanta, Georgia, on Christmas Day 2006. He was said to have passed of natural causes, congestive heart failure to be exact. A new CNN investigation, however, raises the possibility that Brown could have been murdered.

For the three-part investigative piece, writer Thomas Lake interviewed nearly 140 people over two years. At least 11 of them, including Brown’s former manager, widow and several friends and associates, have stated they want an autopsy and would like to open a criminal investigation into Brown’s death.

Dr. Marvin Crawford, who signed Brown’s death certificate, says he never truly believed the influential artist died of natural causes.

“He changed too fast,” Crawford said. “He was a patient I would never have predicted would have coded. … But he died that night, and I did raise that question: What went wrong in that room?”

Crawford claims he recommended an autopsy in the hours after Brown’s death, but the singer’s daughter Yamma Brown declined. When questioned by CNN about her decision, she didn’t offer an explanation.

The investigation began in 2017 after circus singer Jacque Hollander called a reporter claiming to have information about Brown’s death.

This article originally appeared in The Florida Star.

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Black History

Matthew Henson: Explorer Extraordinaire

Matthew Henson, a trailblazing explorer who overcame countless obstacles to leave an incredible mark on history. Born on August 8, 1866, in Charles County, Maryland, his journey is a testament to the power of determination and the spirit of adventure.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Matthew Henson (File Photo)

By Tamara Shiloh

Henson’s life began amidst the backdrop of post-Civil War America, where opportunities for African Americans were scarce. From a young age, he possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world beyond his small town. At the age of 12, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of his life forever when he joined a merchant ship as a cabin boy.

His most famous expedition was his journey to the Arctic with renowned explorer Robert E. Peary. In 1887, Henson joined Peary’s crew as a seaman and quickly proved himself to be invaluable with his skills as a navigator and craftsman. Over the course of several expeditions, Matthew endured extreme cold, treacherous terrain, and grueling conditions as he and Peary sought to reach the elusive North Pole.

In 1908–09, Peary set out on his eighth attempt to reach the North Pole. It was a big expedition, with Peary planning to leave supplies along the way. When he and Henson boarded their ship, the Roosevelt, leaving Greenland on August 18, 1909, they were joined by a large group. This included 22 Inuit men, 17 Inuit women, 10 children, 246 dogs, 70 tons of whale meat, blubber from 50 walruses, hunting gear, and tons of coal.

In February, Henson and Peary left their anchored ship at Ellesmere Island’s Cape Sheridan, along with the Inuit men and 130 dogs. They worked together to set up a trail and supplies along the way to the Pole.

Peary picked Henson and four Inuit people to join him in the final push to the Pole. However, before they reached their destination, Peary couldn’t walk anymore and had to ride in a dog sled. He sent Henson ahead to scout the way. In a later interview with a newspaper, Henson recalled being in the lead and realizing they had gone too far. The group turned back, and Henson noticed his footprints helped guide them to their destination. At that location, Henson planted the American flag.

Henson’s legacy extends far beyond his expeditions to the Arctic. He shattered racial barriers in the world of exploration and inspired countless individuals, regardless of race, to dream big and pursue their passions. In 1937, he was finally recognized for his achievements when he was inducted into The Explorers Club, an organization dedicated to promoting scientific exploration and field research.

Matthew Henson died in the Bronx, New York, on March 9, 1955, at the age of 88.