Monday, January 21, 2013

Dr. Tony Martin---RIP

It has recently come to my attention that Dr. Tony Martin, renowned scholar and historian, has passed away.  He entered into the ancestral realm this past Thursday, January 17th, in his home country of Trinidad.   He was 70 years old, and is survived by his brother Henry Martin, and his son Shabaka Martin.

Dr. Tony Martin was the foremost authority on the Hon. Marcus Mosiah Garvey, and his organization the Universal Negro Improvement Association and African Communities League (UNIA & ACL).  He has written numerous books and articles about the ancestor and his grand organization, and was also a professor at Wesleyan College in Massachusetts, and at the University of the West Indies: Trinidad.

I have been fortunate enough to read a number of Dr Martin's books on Mr Garvey, and have them among my personal collection.  Being an active member of the organization myself, it is required reading to have read "Race First", "African Fundamentalism", and several other titles penned by our beloved scholar warrior, and master teacher.  I feel saddened to have never gotten the chance to speak to, or meet our dear brother, being that we are both members of the same organization.

Our dear brother has now become an ancestor.  I personally will always treasure his work, and will do what I can to help promote and expose his work to the uninitiated masses who have yet to experience this wonderful brother's work.  He is an inspiration to me as a writer, and a consummate advocate for my people.

Rest in peace with our fellow ancestors, dear dear brother.

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