In Loving Memory of Matthew Meade

Professor Matthew Meade was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 23rd, 1934. Matthew departed from earth's dwelling on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 at the age of 89.

Matthew also known as "Matt," was the youngest and last remaining sibling of nine children born to the union of the late Everett and Ruby Meade. Matthew was predeceased by his eight siblings, Dorothy Mason, Joseph & James Meade, Emily Terry Randolph, Bessie McDougal, Thomas Meade, Mildred and William Meade.

Matthew had a strong passion for higher learning. After graduating from the NYC public school system, he went on to earn a B.A. from Brooklyn College, with advanced coursework in Business Administration, Mathematics, and Sociology. He then continued to pursue a PhD degree at Yale University in Development Economics and International Development, receiving several academic honors along the way.

Matthew was driven by his love for African culture and people, with a strong focus on community development and improvement throughout the diaspora. He was also an activist and advocate who was highly involved in local community activities, having participated on numerous local boards and committees.

In addition to his background as an Economist, Matthew was an entrepreneurial spirit and a true "Renaissance Man" with creative skills and expertise in a broad range of fields including graphic design and media.  He often applied these talents to initiatives that fulfilled his passion for serving the community.

Some of his most notable initiatives include, Founder and President of NOMMO Associates Inc., a design publishing firm focused on promoting African cultural aesthetics and design; Founding Board Member Brownsville Federal Credit Union and Community Cooperative Buying Club; Thirteen years hosting and producing a weekly community radio talk show for WNYE, 91.5 FM; President, Founder and Tour Guide for the International African American Cultural and Research Association (IAACRA)---providing African cultural experiences/philanthropic tourism to Brazil for close to 30 years.

Not to mention, Matthew had an impressive 40+ year career as an adjunct professor throughout the CUNY system, including as an economics teacher at Medgar Evers College where he was also a part of a coalition of committee members instrumental in the institution's founding.

Amongst Matthew's other accolades, he was also an avid linguist who spoke French and Portuguese fluently—in his later years he offered Portuguese language classes at the local Senior Center in preparation for his tours to Brazil.

In his spare time Matthew enjoyed speed skating, earning him several competition medals.  Whether working or playing, Matthew could always be found with a professional camera in his hand, as he loved to document every minute of his rich and meaningful life, and the community he loved so dearly.

Matthew was raised in the Baptist faith and attended Brown Memorial Baptist Church as a child. A US Army computer and radar operator, Matthew received an honorable discharge in Baumholder Germany and was looking forward to documenting his time in the army before his passing. Matthew leaves to celebrate his life and mourn his departure, his beloved daughter Ayana Meade, and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins & good friends.

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