A
Negro Explorer, not A Black Explorer
Well-intentioned individuals who reissued this work, beginning in
the 1960's, obviously did not like the racial term Negro. They felt
that it was their obligation to change Henson's title from "A
Negro Explorer" to "A Black Explorer" This is the
first edition in 88 years to restore the original title. I have
not changed it for what I believe is an obvious reason; the term
black came into favor only after Matt died. He never used it. Matt
was proud to be a Negro and of what he accomplished for "his
race." I wondered if the next printing of Matt's book would
title it An African American Explorer At The North Pole?
One evening I watched an interview with Whoopi Goldberg. Asked if
she referred to herself as "African American" she replied
"No. I'm not an African American. I'm an American." The
audience applause settled this issue in my mind. Matt chose the
title and I would restore it, despite 31 years of efforts to the
contrary.
Free
Internet distribution
Teachers, students, and historians may download A Negro Explorer
in PDF to use as they desire. This book is given away at no charge,
with no registration required. Anyone who has the means may use
the text to create traditional printed books. (If you do so, please
acknowledge my efforts by sending a copy of your printed edition
for my collection.)
A
faithful restoration of the original
My secondary goal was to create an authentic reproduction to mitigate
the damage done by bad reproductions put on the market over the
past 31 years. One version boasted that it was "Illustrated
with contemporary photographs." Why were Matt's photos not
good enough? Another example is a photocopied version that sold
for $59. The photos were carelessly rendered and presented as unrecognizable
black blobs. Another version imposed on the reader a modern introduction.
Why does A Negro Explorer require a third introduction? Who
has earned the right to place their words in the company of Robert
E. Peary, Booker T. Washington, and Matthew A. Henson? It would
take an emense ego to do that.
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