Hubert R. Martin Jr.

On January 18, 2016, Allah (God) heard Hubert’s cry and sent His angel to bring “Olorun” home from his physical journey to the arms of Allah to rest forever in eternal love and peace. Hubert aka “Olorun”, the second of four siblings born of the union between the late Hubert R. Martin, Sr. and Lucy Holland Martin, was born on September 22, 1946 in Baltimore, Maryland. The family moved to Pittsburgh when Olorun was four years old where he received his primary education. Olorun graduated from Westinghouse High School ‘63 where he was president of his class, president of the student body, and president of the National Honor Society. Olorun received a full academic scholarship to Franklin and Marshall College(F&M). In 1967, Olorun met the love of his life, Yvonne (Shawishi) “Wish” Martin. They met during their time working as coordinators for the first annual Black Arts Festival in Pittsburgh, PA. They would later marry during their college years at Franklin & Marshall College and Cheney State University, respectively. “Olorun” graduated as the second African-American to receive a chemistry degree from F&M. He later received his master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. During his youth in Pittsburgh, Olorun and Wish were very active within the community. They created platforms for inner city residents to empower themselves with positive information to combat racial tensions that plagued the city of Pittsburgh and the country during the 1960’s. Olorun made an impact during that time in the Homewood/Brushton community of Pittsburgh. These include: 1) In 1967 starting the first Black Arts Festival, which is still celebrated annually, 2) Opening the first black bookstore (Harambee Bookstore), 3) Cofounder of the Young People’s Masjid, 4) Cofounder of the Homewood/Brushton Islamic Center, 5) Cofounder of the Homewood/Brushton Liberation School, and 6) Cofounder of the Homewood/Brushton Topographical Center tracing the slave migration from the African diaspora. Olorun was employed as a pharmaceutical representative (Merck-Sharp Pharmaceuticals), Teacher Counselor at the Pittsburgh Northside Academy and the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, he worked as an educational planner for the Baltimore City Public Schools System and the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office. He later served and retired as a sergeant from the Maryland Department of Corrections. Olorun will be remembered for many things but most significant were his knowledge and wisdom, spiritual awareness and love for Allah (God). He enjoyed reading material of all types, however his passion for higher learning was rooted in reading any and everything that was spiritual and taught the power of Allah (God). Olorun had an extensive library and was always willing to share his knowledge with everyone because he wanted to enlighten and discuss the beauty of Allah (God). He wanted everyone to seek the spirit of God within each of us and to truly become ONE with Allah (God). If you had a question about anything…he would provide an answer and it would always lead you to Allah (God). He was brilliant. Beautiful and precious memories of Olorun will live in the hearts of his devoted and loving wife, Wish Martin; Ma'ani Martin (son), Sayyida Abdus-Salaam, MD (married to Sharif Abdus-Salaam, MD) and Samadhi Martin (daughters); Sadia Martin, Najaa Cottman, Rakiyah Cottman, Amya Cottman, Amirah Abdus-Salaam, Sidraah Adbus-Salaam, Na’ima Martin (granddaughters); Jibri Martin (grandson); Cheryl Martin, Felicia Martin-Hill, Saundra Martin (sisters) and Gerald Martin (brother); and a host of cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Sadiq Ali Martin, and brothers, Henry Martin and Keith Martin. May Allah forgive his sins and grant him entry into paradise. Allahu Akbar(God is the Greatest)!

Tributes

Hubert R. Martin Jr.

September 22, 1946 - January 18, 2016