Memorial for George Paz Martin
Saturday, August 5, 2023, 1:00 p.m.
ZAO Church
2319 East Kenwood Blvd

Dear friends,

I am sad to tell you that George Martin passed from this life to the next on Sunday, July 16, 2023.  His dynamic presence will be greatly missed by friends all over the country and beyond.

George was a “force of nature” as a friend has said. He was a trainer, organizer, leader and passionate orator for peace and justice. He was committed to nonviolence and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His work and leadership over the years with economic development, civil rights, homeless vets, healthcare for the homeless, the Green Party, the World Social Forum, the World Peace Council, the anti-war/nuclear disarmament movement and climate action has made a powerful impact locally, nationally and internationally.
 
George served as Program Director of Peace Action Wisconsin from 2001 to 2009 and was co-chair of United for Peace and Justice nationally for 8 years during the Iraq War. He was a dynamic speaker at national anti-war rallies before tens of thousands of people and a great organizer behind the scenes. In recent years he has focused his energy on climate justice and the link between militarism and climate change. He has served on the steering committee of 350 Milwaukee and on the task force to develop the Milwaukee County/City plan to address climate change and economic equity. His last public appearance was a few weeks ago when he gave a powerful testimony before the City Council urging them to accept the proposed plan for climate action. He was mesmerizing. The proposal passed.

A memorial celebration of his life will be Saturday, August 5, 1 pm at Zao MKE Church, 2319 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee. Many of his numerous musician friends will perform and Kevin Martin, national director of Peace Action, will be here from Washington DC to speak on behalf of the national peace movement. It will be a fine tribute to George Martin's life.

As George would always sign off - 
Peace and Love,
Julie Enslow


Any memorial donations can be sent to Peace Action Wisconsin, P.O. Box 11126, Shorewood, WI 53211
Or to Casa Maria Catholic Worker, P.O. Box 05206, Milwaukee, WI 53205

Obituary
 

George Paz Martin
a.k.a.  Nii Adjetey
 



George Paz Martin passed to the other side of death on July 16, 2023. He was born in the Philippines on March 24, 1946 to Paz and Delmar Martin. Raised in Milwaukee as the oldest of ten children, he attended St. Francis and St. Boniface Grade Schools, Marquette High School and Marquette University. At age 16 he was ten feet from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his "I Have A Dream" speech which influenced the rest of his life.
 
George was a “force of nature.” He was a trainer, organizer, leader and passionate orator for peace and justice. He was committed to nonviolence and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His work and leadership over the years with economic development, civil rights, homeless vets, healthcare for the homeless, the Green Party, the World Social Forum, the World Peace Council, the anti-war and nuclear disarmament movements, non-violent civil disobedience trainings and climate action made a powerful impact locally, nationally and internationally. He traveled internationally more than 20 times working for peace in Africa, Europe, South America and Asia and served as a non-governmental delegate to the United Nations.
 
During his lifetime George served more than 100 grassroots organizations as staff, board member or consultant. He served as Program Director of Peace Action Wisconsin from 2001 to 2009 and was co-chair of United for Peace and Justice nationally for 8 years during the Iraq War. He was a dynamic speaker at national anti-war rallies before tens of thousands of people and a great organizer behind the scenes. In recent years he focused his energy on climate justice and the link between militarism and climate change. He served on the steering committee of 350 Milwaukee and on the task force to develop the Milwaukee County/City plan to address climate change and economic equity. 
 
George received many honors and lifetime awards but was proudest of being honored in Ghana for his international work for peace by the African tribe of his slave roots as a chief with the name "Nii Adjetey."
 
George was a fierce, nonviolent warrior for peace and justice, and a kind and gentle soul. He is now with the ancestors.