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IN MEMORIAM
SPRING 2013
wellesley magazine
Anthony Martin 1942–2013
Tony Martin, who died on Jan. 17, was an inspiration to his students and many of his colleagues. A founding member of the Department of Africana Studies at Wellesley, he believed in the integrity of the discipline and the principle of departmental autonomy. His meticulous work on Marcus Garvey, particularly Race First, changed the depiction of Garvey in Caribbean and American historiography. A staunch nationalist and pan-Africanist, he took pride in his race and the principle of self-reliance that was embodied in Africana scholars such as Garvey, Malcolm X, Walter Rodney, and C.L.R. James. Tony was a prolifi fic scholar and incisive thinker who brought to bear a wide variety of approaches to his scholarship and his teaching. In the process, he demonstrated that scholars can and do play an enormously important role in interpreting and reconstructing a people’s history. And while he and I may have disagreed in our ways of interpreting certain events, Tony and I maintained a respect for each other—something of which few people are aware. His commitment to our discipline and his contributions to our department and to our College are invaluable. We are better off because he trod in the footsteps of the great and glorious scholars of Africana studies. He will be remembered always for his defense of an Africana way of seeing and his bravery in standing for the principles embodied therein. May he rest in peace. —Selwyn Cudjoe, Diffenbaugh and Carlson Professor of Comparative Literature, professor of Africana studies
students on subject matter we cared about—formative to our identities as disciplined, career-minded, and brilliant black women. The environment was simply rich and enriching. I want to thank you, Professor Martin, for realizing the gifts, talents, and skills of young women and investing in the education of women, especially black women. Thank you for affi firming our voices and stretching us academically and personally—formally and informally. Thank you for sharpening our minds and intellects. Thank you for attending our Harambee House and Ethos events. Thank you for exuding a desire for us to be successful in whatever our career paths, even if not what you would have chosen. Thank you for the rigor, the education, the conversations—and even the surprises. Thank you for that Trinidadian gait that we could never miss, even from afar. You will be sorely missed! —Nichole Phillips ’93
Tony Martin was an extraordinary scholar, teacher, and brother. As an authority on Marcus Garvey, pan-Africanism, black nationalism, and the trans-Atlantic slave trade, he shared his brilliance and scholarly talents in his numerous publications, conference presentations, and public lectures. He was an internationally renowned historian. As a colleague in the Africana studies department, he was an inspiring and visionary leader and a principled human being. He cared deeply about the intellectual development of his students and was a beloved and popular professor on campus. His legacy will live on, as well as his courageous and generous spirit. My deepest sympathy to his adorable little son, Shabaka, and his family. —Filomina Steady, professor of Africana studies
Tony Martin greatly influenced fl the academic work and enriched the personal lives of many in the Wellesley College community, particularly women of African descent. He was a consummate scholar. Though Professor Martin was, at times, controversial, we accepted him for who he was. He believed what he believed and was flatfooted—would not be swayed—unless people presented more provocative arguments to challenge or potentially dislodge his beliefs. I will never forget enrolling in his classes in Africana studies although I was a biochemistry major and religion minor. I had to experience at least one class before ending my college career. The atmosphere was electric with the fresh ideas and budding thoughts of