Not Many people know of Matthew Henson. Not many people celebrate him for black history month either. Matthew Henson worked with Robert Peary to reach the North Pole. They did not succeed the first time in 1902( first attempt) six Eskimo member died of hunger. Not giving up in 1905 President Theodore Roosevelt baked them and supplied them with state-of-the-art vessel that had the ability to cut through ice. Melted ice blocked the sea path leaving them no option but to turn back to turn back. The teams last attempt was in 1908. The journey continued into the next year, and while other team members turned back, Peary and the ever-loyal Henson carried on. April 6, 1909, Peary, Henson, four Eskimos and 40 dogs reached the north pole (i guess third time is a charm). When they did return home..as an African American, Henson was largely overlooked and Peary was the one with all the fame and glory while Henson was in the shadows unknown. The truth about Peary's and Henson's expedition still remains clouded. Henson spent the next 30 years working as a clerk in a New York federal customs house, but he never forgot his life as an explorer. Henson then made Arctic memoirs in 1912, in the book A Negro Explorer at the North Pole. when he was 70 he finally got the credit he deserved. Matthew Henson died in New York City on March 9, 1955, and was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.