Black History
Comcast Partners with Mayor Sylvester Turner to Celebrate Black History Month
HOUSTON FORWARD TIMES — Comcast and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently honored ten (10) community volunteers and civic leaders.
By Forward Times Staff
In celebration of Black History Month, Comcast and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner recently honored ten (10) community volunteers and civic leaders at the second-annual Mayor’s History Makers Awards Luncheon, held at The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa. KPRC Meteorologist Khambrel Marshall served as the Emcee for the program.
The ten local honorees were recognized for their commitment to making a difference in the community through volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and civic engagement.
In addition to being recognized, Comcast announced plans to donate $1,000 to the nonprofit organization of each honoree’s choice.
The ten 2019 Mayor’s History Makers Award Honorees and their Nominating Organizations are:
Sam Alix – Gulf Coast Center/MVPN
Darryl Blackburn – Big Brothers Big Sisters
Donna Brownlow – Target Hunger
Leonard Donaldson – CanCare
LaShonda Johnson – The Mission Continues
Rev. William Lawson – LULAC
Howard Middleton – The HEART Program
Patrick Purnell – Mental Health America Greater Houston
Tiffany Sanders – Kids Meals Inc.
Patricia Smith Prather was also awarded as the Living Legend Honoree for 2019.
The judges who had the responsibility of selecting this year’s honorees included: Ralph Martinez, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast Houston Region; Mary Benton, City of Houston; Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston City Council Member (District K); Juana Collins, UNCF; Kevin Doffing, Lone Star Veterans Association; Marina Franco, Houston Recovery Center; Adriana Gonzalez, Camara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston; Charles Savage, Urban Enrichment Institute; and Yolanda Smith, NAACP Houston Branch.
This article originally appeared in the Houston Forward Times.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
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Activism
Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 17 – 23, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
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.
By Tamara Shiloh
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.
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.
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