Black History
Wadie Jean Johnson Amar, 87
We will remember her forever, as she is lifted in God’s gentle embrace into the silent land, and we, her children, family, and friends will never cease to feel her holding our hands throughout the rest of our lives.
Wadie Jean Johnson Amar, the daughter of the late Wade and Maggie Johnson, was born on Jan. 1, 1934, in Wichita, Kansas. After Wadie’s parents relocated to Oakland, she attended Cole Grammar School and later graduated from Oakland High School.
She was blessed with four lovely children: Wade, Rene, Jalna and Gary. Wadie Amar professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined Cooper Zion AME Church, where she was recognized by many for her musical talents. From that day forward, she was a song leader and soloist in the choir.
Wadie never had a problem finding employment. She was a clothing salesperson for Hirsch and Company, a skip tracer (bill collector) for Mel Benning and Associates, a public relations specialist with Chicago Title Company, and later she became the office manager for a law firm.
Wadie provided for all of her children in grand style, as she loved them all. She was preceded in death by her parents Maggie Nola Johnson and Wade Hamilton Johnson; sister, Vera Leola Pitts and grandson Pascal Sarouté Amar.
She leaves to mourn her passing sons, Wade Gregory Amar and Gary Randall Amar; daughters, René Elisse Amar and Jalna Arlene Amar; grandchildren, Drake Anthony Dawson, Nicole Amar Rutland, and Jaderienne Rachelle Minger; and great-grandchildren, Cheyenne True Amar and Dash Cutler Dawson.
We will remember her forever, as she is lifted in God’s gentle embrace into the silent land, and we, her children, family, and friends will never cease to feel her holding our hands throughout the rest of our lives.
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
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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.
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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