39. Matthew Henson, Arctic Explorer
Robert Edwin Peary is widely renowned as the first man to reach the North Pole. What is far less known is that Matthew Henson, a Black man who played a vital role in Peary’s expeditions, actually reached the North Pole first. Henson was instrumental in Peary’s successful expedition, going so far as to learn the language of the local Inuits to gain their trust and aid for the journey. While Peary walked the last couple miles to plant the flag, Henson had arrived first by boat.
