T. J. Martin

Birth Name: Thomas McKay Martin

Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 7, 1979

Ethnicity:
*father – European
*mother – African-American

T. J. Martin is an American filmmaker.

He is the son of singer Tina Bell and guitarist Tommy Martin, who were members of Seattle-based rock band Bam Bam. His father was white. His mother was African-American.

Regarding his background, he has stated:

My experience navigating the world is night and day different than that of someone whose parents are both Black. I personally, identify much more with being mixed race. It would be hard for me to accept such an achievement without also acknowledging my Native American, Scandinavian, Chinese and Jewish roots as well! I definitely think it warrants a greater conversation. I wonder if there’s some kind of designation for being the first mixed race director to win for best documentary? Probably not.