Annie B. Martin facts for kids

Annie B. Martin (born December 20, 1920 – died June 12, 2012) was an important American leader. She worked hard for both the labor movement and the civil rights movement. The labor movement fights for fair treatment and better conditions for workers. The civil rights movement worked to end unfair treatment and segregation against Black people.

Annie B. Martin was born in South Carolina. She took part in many marches in Washington, DC. She also became an assistant commissioner of labor for New York state. This means she helped manage workers' rights and rules for three different governors. For many years, she was the president of the New York City branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a leading civil rights organization. She also served on the NAACP's national board of directors.

Growing Up and Education

Annie B. Martin was born in Eastover, South Carolina. She was the seventh of eight children born to Jacob and Queenie Martin. When she was young, her father introduced her to A. Philip Randolph. He was a famous activist who fought for workers' rights.

Annie B. Martin went to Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. After college, she became a chemist for a company called Squibb. While working there, she was chosen to be the secretary-treasurer for a local union. This union was for oil, chemical, and atomic workers. She even represented her company at the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr..

Later, Annie B. Martin earned two master's degrees from New York University. She studied guidance counseling and social work. She also received an honorary doctor's degree from Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Leading the Way for Workers and Civil Rights

Annie B. Martin was a key figure in important events. In 1963, she marched in the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. She marched alongside her friend A. Philip Randolph, who helped organize the event. This march was a huge moment for the civil rights movement.

In 1968, Martin and Randolph marched again. This time, they supported a teachers' union called the United Federation of Teachers. The union had closed public schools during a strike in New York City. They marched to support the teachers' right to fair treatment.

Annie B. Martin received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. This award recognizes people who have made great contributions to America. She served as president of the NAACP New York City Branch for 16 terms. This was a record-breaking number of terms. She was also a First Vice-President for the Black Trade Unionists Leadership Committee.

She worked as a State Assistant Commissioner under three New York governors: Rockefeller, Wilson, and Carey. She was one of the first women to hold such a high position in the labor movement. She also taught as a professor at Fordham, Columbia, and New York Universities.

Annie B. Martin achieved many great things. She was honored by the New YWCA Academy of Women Achievers. She was also a member of the New York City Coalition of Labor Union Women. She served as a commissioner on the Commission on the Dignity of Immigrants. She was also the Director of Labor Participation for the American Red Cross in Greater New York.

After the September 11 attacks in 2001, Annie B. Martin was 81 years old. She worked as a link between labor unions, the Red Cross, and the New York City fire and police departments. She helped hundreds of union members with survival and job-placement issues. She also processed 290 claims for families who lost loved ones at "Ground Zero."

Later Life and Legacy

Annie B. Martin passed away in Harlem, New York on June 12, 2012. She was 91 years old. Her memorial service was held at Greater Bethel AME Church (Harlem). She had been a member of this church for many years.

After her death, the New York State Senate passed a resolution. This resolution honored her life and career. U.S. Representative Charles B. Rangel also spoke about her in the House of Representatives. He celebrated her life and mourned her loss. Rangel said that Dr. Martin was known as "Chief" or "Annie B." He described her as a dedicated member of the NAACP National Board of Directors. He noted that she led with dignity and by example.