Dear friends and supporters of the Fair Housing Justice Center,
Today, March 29th, is the birthday of founding board member and former board president Robert Alan Martin, who died from cancer March 16th, 2022. Known fondly as Bob to all those who had the good fortune to know him, he was an attorney who fought vigorously for the rights of tenants and consumers, and a man devoted to his family.
Originally from Frankfort Kentucky, Bob was one of FHJC’s four original board members, serving as treasurer for many years and as board president from 2018-2020. Over this nearly twenty-year association with FHJC he rarely missed an event or meeting, and was cherished by staff and board members for his passion for justice, his kindness and generosity, and his very memorable sense of humor.
“It is difficult for us to imagine having built the Fair Housing Justice Center without the energy, generosity, and leadership of Bob Martin,” said FHJC founders Fred Freiberg and Diane Houk. “His unwavering dedication to ensuring fairness in housing for all New Yorkers was truly inspiring to us and everyone who worked with him.”
To honor his memory, his commitment to fair housing, and his passion for the law, the FHJC last year established The Robert A. Martin Legal Fellowship Fund, giving law students an opportunity to assist with legal research involving systemic discrimination, and with civil rights lawsuits and cases pending before administrative agencies.
Created with input and endorsement from Bob’s family in recognition of how central Bob’s work with the FHJC was to him and to his world view, the fund enables the FHJC to pay its legal interns for the first time, extending the opportunity to interested students from all law schools and all backgrounds.
Over its first year, the fund has raised over $12,000, with several donors choosing to arrange a recurring annual contribution to coincide with Bob’s birthday. Anyone wishing to make a similar or one-time contribution can do so by clicking HERE. Donations dedicated to Bob’s memory will be specifically allocated to the fund.
Bob believed strongly in the power of the law to bring about positive social change. The staff and board of the FHJC are proud to continue the work he was so passionate about.
From all of us at the FHJC, Happy Birthday, Bob. We miss you, friend.
Sincerely,
The Staff and Board of the Fair Housing Justice Center