Background
Born in Eastover, South Carolina to Jacob and Queenie Martin, the seventh of eight children, Martin was introduced as a small child by her father to labor activist A. Philip Randolph.
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Annie Martin
Edit ProfileEducation
Martin graduated Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina, became a chemist for Squibb, and was elected secretary-treasurer of Local 8-138 Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers International Union. While at Squibb, Martin attended the funeral of Martin Luther King, Junior. on behalf of her company.
Career
A South Carolina native, Martin participated in "every march on Washington since 1963," was appointed New York state assistant commissioner of labor under three governors, served sixteen terms as president of the New York City branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and sat on that association"s national board of directors for nineteen years. Martin earned master"s degrees in guidance counseling and social work from New York University, and would eventually be awarded an honorary doctor of humane letters from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Martin and Randolph marched again in 1968 to take part in protests supporting due process for the United Federation of Teachers, a union which had shut down public schools during the New York City teachers" strike of 1968.
A recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, she served as President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People New York City Branch for an unprecedented sixteen terms, and was a former First Vice-President for the Black Trade Unionists Leadership Committee.
Martin served as State Assistant Commissioner under the New York governorships of Rockefeller, Wilson, and Carey, and was one of the first women to hold high office within the labor movement. Martin also served as an adjunct professor for Fordham, Columbia and New York Universities.
During the days following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, an 81-year-old Martin served "as liaison between labor, the Red Cross and the NYFD and New York City Police Department departments. Martin died in Harlem, New York on June 12, 2012 at the age of 91.
The memorial service was held at Greater Bethel AME Church (Harlem), where she had been a member for many years.
After Martin"s death a resolution was adopted by the New York State Senate paying tribute to her life and career. United States. Representative Charles B. Rangel extended his remarks to the House on June 19, 2012, celebrating the life and mourning the loss of Doctor Martin. With her soft, but outspoken voice she led by example and with dignity.".
Achievements
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Among her achievements, Martin was a New Young Women’s Christian Association Academy of Women Achievers inductee, a member of the New York City Coalition of Labor Union Women, commissioner on the Commission on the Dignity of Immigrants, and Director of Labor Participation for the American Red Cross in Greater New New York
Membership
This remarkable woman coordinated survival and job-placement issues for hundreds of members of organized labor and personally processed 290 claims for American Red Cross Emergency Family Gifts to families" beneficiaries who lost members at "Ground Zero.""
In his remarks, Rangel stated: "Affectionately known to many of us as Chief or simply Annie B, Doctor Martin was a devoted and dedicated member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People National Board of Directors.
Connections
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Born
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Died
June 12, 2012 (aged 91) -
Nationality
American -
Political Party
Dignity
Awards
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Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.The Medal of Honor is the United States of America's highest military honor, awarded for personal acts of valor above and beyond the call of duty.