Black History

COMMENTARY: On this Solemn Anniversary; What Trump Can Learn from MLK’s Teachings about Leadership

BLACK VOICE NEWS — April 4th marked 51 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. was felled by an assassin’s bullet, yet the world continues to embrace his powerful teachings—teachings that have inspired millions everywhere who continue his fight against all forms of injustice.

Published

5 years ago

April 11, 2019

Oakland Post

S.E. Williams

April 4^thmarked 51 years since Martin Luther King, Jr. was felled by an assassin’s bullet, yet the world continues to embrace his powerful teachings—teachings that have inspired millions everywhere who continue his fight against all forms of injustice.

King dedicated his life to closing the fissures that continue to exist between races while encouraging the recognition of the oneness of humanity. Despite the many challenges he faced—which included constant struggles, conflicts and setbacks—he achieved meaningful progress in his quest for equality by leveraging the uncompromising power of agape love.

“ll life is interrelated,” King preached noting, “that somehow we’re caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

King also believed, “Words mean something.” He encouraged people to speak up for what they believe in, while at the same time stressing when you do speak up, you should first, be very sure of what you want to say and then. . . you should say it with conviction.

Through the long years of the Civil Rights movement King challenged Americans of all races to take a stand on the issue. “here comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right,” he encouraged.

Today, King’s words seem to resonate more powerfully than ever when considered in the context of modern-day America.

This is especially true when considered in light of the current president who continues to smash all civil and political norms and who is working aggressively, at cross-purposes from the wishes and desires of the majority of Americans, to undo progress on a myriad of issues ranging from health care to climate change, from immigration to the environment and the list goes on.

The future of this nation currently rests in the hands of a leader who is more concerned with catering to the whims of his political base than working on behalf of all Americans. This, in addition to his bizarre attentiveness to and fawning over the world’s despots, coupled with his narcissistic self-aggrandizement and relentless lying has left little room in the public square for anything beyond the constant churning of empty promises and hateful mandates.

As a leader, King succeeded in ways America’s current president never will because King understood that being a good leader, a wise leader, has little to do with popularity. Unlike the nation’s 45^th President, King knew, “A man all wrapped up in himself is a mighty small package.”

This article originally appeared in Black Voice News.

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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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April 26, 2024

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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.