Matthew Henson was an African American explorer born on August 8, 1866. He is best known for his expeditions to the Arctic, particularly his role in the Robert Peary expedition that claimed to reach the North Pole in 1909. Henson was a skilled navigator and played a crucial role in the success of these journeys. Throughout his life, Henson faced racial discrimination but remained dedicated to exploration. He was one of the first people to set foot at the North Pole, and his contributions to Arctic exploration have been recognized posthumously. Henson's legacy continues to inspire future generations of explorers.