Deep in the heart of San Diego's historical records lies the tale of an influential voice that shaped the local queer community in the 1980s: Corinne "Marti" Mackey, a Black lesbian journalist whose work left a lasting impact on the city's social and political landscape.
Her story was unearthed by historian T.J. Tallie, who ventured into the archives with the aim of exploring the experiences of Black queer individuals in San Diego during the 1980s and 1990s. Among the various narratives, Mackey's vibrant and unapologetic voice stood out, marking her as a pivotal figure in the community.
The Unyielding Voice of the "Anti-Fluff Brigade"
Mackey self-identified as part of the "Anti-Fluff Brigade," a testament to her commitment to delivering hard-hitting, substantial journalism over superficial reporting. Her writings were a mixture of sharp wit, critical analysis, and unapologetic truth-telling that resonated deeply with her readers. She didn't shy away from controversy, often tackling the pressing issues of her time with "brilliant urgency," as Tallie described.
In her coverage of the 1992 LA Rodney King Riots, Mackey's words echoed the sentiments of many who felt oppressed: "I can forgive you only if your foot finally is released from my throat. I can forgive if I stand here from a position of power and to powerlessness. I can forgive if we are able to stand toe to toe, eye to eye, for then and only then can forgiveness have any significance. Until the day of liberation comes and my need to be free is attained, there will be no forgiveness. There will be nothing to forgive."
Her bold stance often attracted criticism, yet Mackey remained steadfast. In response to detractors who labeled her a troublemaker, she quipped, "I mean, if you’re stepping on my foot and I tell you to get off, should I be called a troublemaker for not letting you stand on my foot?"
A Pioneer and a Leader in the Community
Beyond her written work, Mackey was a proactive community leader. She founded Lesbians and Gays of African Descent United (LAGADU), a group that provided a vital space for Black queer individuals to gather and organize. Her contributions were recognized with her being named Pride's Woman of the Year in 1991, an accolade she accepted with characteristic humility, stating, "I don’t know why you all want me. I’m just a troublemaker that writes what I see, but I guess this means that I got to keep on doing it."
Alongside her activism, Mackey's personal life was also a source of strength and inspiration. Her relationship with Phyllis Jackson was not only a love story but also a partnership that fueled their shared activism. Together, they formed a formidable team within the broader movement for equality and justice.
A Legacy of Courage and Activism
Mackey's contributions to the community spanned a brief period of just four years, yet her impact was profound. According to lore, she ended up in San Diego by chance when her car broke down, and she decided to stay, captivated by the city and her blossoming relationship with Jackson. Unfortunately, her life was cut short in 1992 when she succumbed to cancer at the age of 42.
Tallie, reflecting on Mackey's enduring legacy, imagines her reaction to having her story told: "She would look at me and be like, ‘All right, so what are you doing?’ Just be like, adjusting her glasses and be like, ‘So what are you doing? Is it, is it better? Oh, we got phones now… that do all that? Fixed poverty? Did it fix the AIDS? No? Still got wars? They’re still racist out here?’ And I think that then she’d be like, ‘Okay, well, then stop praising me and go get to it.'"
Despite Mackey's likely resistance to being put on a pedestal, Tallie is determined to ensure that her contributions are recognized and remembered. "I came here to do, you know, an investigative historical thought about what it meant to be Black and queer in San Diego, and I found a hero," he said.
Through her fearless journalism and tireless activism, Corinne "Marti" Mackey remains a beacon of courage and inspiration, a reminder of the power of individual voices in the fight for equality and justice.
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