A LIFE CUT SHORT BY HATE
by Mark J. Tuggle
Guest Contributor
Another Black life ends in tragedy.
On Sunday, March 13, around 10:00 pm, Marvin Page, a 52 year-old same gender-loving Black male, was found brutally murdered in his Bronx, New York apartment. He was stabbed in the back, his throat was slashed, and half of his body was doused in gasoline. The assailant fled with Marvin’s car. Marvin lived directly across the street from the New York Police Department’s 46th Precinct, yet no leads, suspects or witnesses are apparent.
Marvin was a long time associate of mine. He worked tirelessly at a substance use outpatient facility. He generally spoke highly of others. Marvin possessed a big heart, complimenting his large frame - he was never one to turn down a good meal. Mostly full of laughter, I was particularly grateful he reached out to me at difficult times in his life: it is a privilege to respond to a cry for help.
Early media accounts of Marvin’s premature death trivialize his humanity. A New York Post snippet asserts, “Page was gay and in the past, men had been seen going in and out of his apartment.” A Newsday briefing states, “Police are looking to speak to the man’s gay lovers.” The “authorities” saw men “going in and out of his apartment,” yet have no clues about the killer; a portrait of a slain homosexual with multiple sex partners remains.
Such reporting serves only to justify homo hatred, flaming the fears of religious zealots and political opportunists who are intolerant of same gender-loving Black people. Marvin’s family members are, like myself, confused, distraught, outraged and wounded. Why did this happen? Where are our community leaders? What can we do to feel safe?
Marvin was born Black, male and homosexual, a three strikes offense in most states. Pending further investigation, his case may become a hate crime. Some people will conclude he got what he deserved. Others probably don’t care. I do, and we should, as a society, care about a life cut short by hate.
Noted author and womanist Alice Walker lamented, “America needs to redress her history.” Poet and feminist Audre Lorde said, “In the service of my people, it becomes less and less important that I am afraid.” I feel a personal responsibility to use my pen to challenge bigotry, injustice and silence whenever it occurs. Marvin had an incredible spirit. He was a good-natured soul. I will miss him, and remember he made me smile.
Mark J. Tuggle is a freelance writer in Harlem whose recent credits include The CITIZEN, POZ, and PULSE. He can be reached at mjt579@msn.com.
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I'm speechless! What is going on and why is the Black community being quiet about the murders of our gay brothers and sisters?
Posted by: Ms. World at March 18, 2005 9:32 PMThis is distressing; I knew Marvin, he was very active in NA, AA and some community groups. Very peaceful spirit.
Two summers ago, he, several mutual acquaintances and myself met in Central park to attend Summerstage.
Posted by: Rod at March 23, 2005 8:34 PM