My condolences to Martin's family. I had the pleasure of meeting Brother Martin Boston shortly after I crossed. From the very beginning, his boisterous personality filled the room—he carried an energy that was impossible to ignore. It didn’t take long for us to connect, not just through our bond in Omega Psi Phi, but also through our shared background as track athletes.
One day, out of the blue, Martin asked if I wanted to help him coach the McClymonds track team. Without hesitation, I agreed. That invitation turned into one of the most meaningful experiences, because what stood out most about Martin was his passion—his heart to train, coach, and mentor others.
As we often say in the Army, leadership is built on the philosophy of Be, Know, Do. To be is about character and values, to know is about competence and knowledge, and to do is about putting it all into action. Martin embodied all three—he lived with integrity, he shared what he knew to uplift others, and he never hesitated to step forward and take action to build those around him.
Martin was more than a coach or a brother—he was a devoted husband, a proud father of two daughters, a respected professor in the African American and Ethnic Studies department at Sacramento State, and a true leader. His impact will live on in every athlete he trained, every brother he inspired, every student he taught, and every life he touched.
Rest easy, my Brother and Friend. Your legacy continues in us.