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Labor Committee of the NAACP Saddened By Loss of Sister Dr. Annie B. Martin

(A. Philip Randolph Institute)

The Labor Committee of the NAACP is also deeply saddened by the loss of our dear Sister Dr. Annie B. Martin who dedicated her life to human rights.

Whether it was on the front lines against the closing of a factory for working parents, or the closing of our children’s schools, Dr. Martin waged a tenacious and fearless war—always standing up to those who stood against justice and fairness for all.

Introduced at a young age to labor and civil rights leader A. Philip Randolph, Dr. Martin often spoke of the bond between the labor and civil rights movements.  She was a veteran of protest rallies in both movements, having been involved with every march on Washington since 1963.  Her valor was recalled recently where stories were told of her marching with Randolph, Rustin and the United Federation of Teachers during the 1968 union strike for due process.

Dedicated to the cause, Dr. Martin was a pioneer for women, giving equally of herself, her time and her resources.  She became known as the member who would always bring the “widow’s mite”, indicative of her selfless and generous offering, to support the causes she fought for.

As secretary-treasurer of Local 8-138 Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, she was one of the first women to hold high office in the labor movement.She has served in various capacities with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the New York City Central Labor Council, the New York City Coalition of Labor Union Women, the National Council of Negro Women, and as a diligent member on the NAACP National Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Martin was appointed state assistant commissioner of labor under New York Governors Rockefeller, Wilson and Carey.

A native of Eastover, South Carolina, Dr. Martin’s lifelong vocation in civil rights, labor and community affairs has won her over 200 awards, including the coveted national Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

We salute the passing of one of this country’s greatest unsung Labor heroines.  She will be sorely missed, but her inspiration will continue to live through her work.

In Unity,