Tom Martinez- A Story of Hate, A Message of Hope By Gail Davis | Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Wow! I was almost numb after hearing Tom Martinez, a former hate group member, speak at a recent, client event in Dallas. Tom visited our office earlier in the day but that was like dipping only your toe in the pool. The event was full immersion.
The venue helped create the atmosphere for soaking up his story. My client selected the Holocaust Museum in Dallas. It was a somber location that reminded us all of the devastation when you combine hate and a lack of education.
Tom is a genuine and likeable guy. He does an amazing job of explaining how and why he was seduced by a hate group. He paints the picture of being a young husband with a new baby and trying to make ends meet while working at a bakery earning minimum wage. You can see how this welcoming brotherhood that offered support and monetary gain had a strong appeal.
Tom begins his presentation with a movie trailer from the Showtime original picture the Brotherhood of Murder, which stars Peter Gallagher and William Baldwin and is based on Tom’s autobiography. He has recently developed PowerPoint presentations that include several photos of various leaders and events associated with The Order. He also has some music clips at the end that demonstrate the use of music lyrics in furthering a message of hate.
Tom’s overall message is: - To educate people on tolerance. - Talk about the important role the business community can play in helping educate and address racial issues. - He also believes when businesses provide employment- that in turn prevents economic desperation that often leads people to groups like this. - Provide his audience with a strong message about the importance of family.
It is a shocking story and I have to say the group sat spellbound. At times, Tom is a little rough around the edges. He talks like a person who is street smart. Ironically, it is not offensive because you know where he comes from. Rather than judge, you sit in awe that he was able to break the cycle.
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