Black History

Black History Month, Wellness and Healing Going Forward

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Throughout history, Black people set out to build hospitals, medical and nursing schools, and community clinics, all through self-determination and social support initiatives. This, along with the doulas, birth workers, midwives, herbalists, and naturopaths throughout the African diaspora, acknowledges the legacy of Black scholars and practitioners in Western medicine,” said Pastor Rondall Leggett of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Marin City.

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2022

Oakland Post

Lincoln School for Nurses in 1915. New York Public Library photo. Bottom left: Deacon Reginald Lyles of Allen Temple Baptist Church. Bottom right: Dr. John Henry Jordan, his wife, Mollie, and son, Edward. Image courtesy Karen Jordan.

By Godfrey Lee

This year’s Black History Month celebrations embraced the theme of Black health and wellness, including mental and spiritual health. “Throughout history, Black people set out to build hospitals, medical and nursing schools, and community clinics, all through self-determination and social support initiatives. This, along with the doulas, birth workers, midwives, herbalists, and naturopaths throughout the African diaspora, acknowledges the legacy of Black scholars and practitioners in Western medicine,” said Pastor Rondall Leggett of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Marin City.

Dr. John Henry Jordan and the Lincoln School for Nurses are two examples.

Jordan (1870-1912) was the first Black doctor and surgeon in Coweta County, Georgia. He built the first hospital for Blacks in Coweta County and organized a Medical Aid Organization in which he taught his patients about health and hygiene.

The Lincoln School for Nurses, founded in 1898 in Bronx, N.Y., was the first nursing school for Black women. A total of 1,864 Black nurses had graduated from the school when it closed in 1961.

There will be two events, both on Sunday, February 27, in Marin City that will close out the Black History Month’s celebrations in Marin City.

The first event will be the 10:15 a.m. service at the First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC), located at 501 Drake Ave. in Marin City. Deacon Reginald Lyles, professor of Old Testament studies at the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple, will be giving his message. Lyles will be the last speaker in the FMBC’s series of messages on “Black Health and Wellness: Where Do We Go From Here?” which is based on I Thessalonians 5:23-24.

The Ministerial Alliance in Marin City will host a service, “Break The Silence – A Time of Hope and Healing Service” from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Cornerstone Community Church in Christ, located on 626 Drake Avenue in Marin City. The service will close out this year’s Black History Month programming in Marin City. Its purpose is to bring the community together and turn the pain of the past into purpose and power for the future.

The “Break the Silence’ Service is an in-person event in a COVID-19 friendly environment. You can also tune in through Facebook Livestream, or on Zoom, with the Zoom Meeting ID: 639 704 6444 and the password 944289.

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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.

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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.