[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 15, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E196]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF SAMUEL MARTIN, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 15, 2012

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to pay tribute to a great 
activist, pioneer, and role model, Samuel Martin, Sr. who passed away 
on February 3, 2012 at the age of 87.
  Samuel was the 2nd of 20 children born in 1924 to Will and Mary 
Martin in Edwards, Mississippi. Enlisting in the Army in 1944, Samuel 
served his country honorably as a soldier. After serving his country, 
Samuel married Willie Mae Martin in 1946. During this time, Samuel 
worked for the Sante Fe Railroad in Needles, California where he first 
became involved in the NAACP and veteran's issues. Samuel moved his 
family to San Bernardino in 1954 due to a job opportunity at Norton Air 
Force Base.
  Because of his childhood and upbringing in Mississippi, Samuel 
strongly believed that everyone should have an equal opportunity to 
succeed. In San Bernardino, Samuel continued his activism, fighting for 
integration in Veterans' Housing and integration in schools. His early 
retirement allowed him to continue his fight for equality in Southern 
California. In 1962, Samuel became the first African American to be 
elected to the Democratic Central Committee.
  In 1965, Samuel Martin and Arthur Townsend founded the Precinct 
Reporter, a newspaper that still serves San Bernardino today. Later, in 
1969, Samuel and his wife, Willie started the San Bernardino American 
News, which is now operated by his daughter, Mary Harris, and his son-
in-law, Clifton Harris.
  With his experience and expertise in the newspaper business, Samuel 
also worked with the Black Union at University of California, Riverside 
to establish the Black Voice News in 1972 and helped the Hispanic 
community start El Chicano newspaper.
  Samuel was preceded by his beloved wife, Willie. Samuel is survived 
by his four children; Violet Jean Rose, Mary Florean Harris, Samuel, 
Jr., and Barry Lymond. He leaves with cherished memories a loving 
family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My thoughts and 
prayers, along with those of my wife, Barbara, and my children, Rialto 
City Councilman Joe Baca, Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jennifer are with 
Samuel's family at this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to pay 
tribute to Samuel Martin, Sr.

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