Dear Comrades ,

It is with great regret that I advise you of the passing of another Combermerian, Professor Calvin Holder, Harvard School Graduate and Professor at the College of Staten Island, City University, from 1975 – 2018.

Professor Holder  spent his last years in UK,  living in  Croydon and then Ealing, UK,  the latter, until 10^th April 2021, where he died peacefully at home, in his sleep. Poignantly, or not, Professor Holder’s passing , was reported on the same day as HRH,  the Duke of Edinburgh.

As far as I am aware Professor Holder is survived by two daughters  (USA domiciled) and two grandchildren.  He has at least one other relative, also a Combermerian ,  living in London .

Background information

Calvin Holder was born in 1946, lived at Sweet Bottom, St George and attended Combermere School from 1957 until 1962.  He left Barbados, in 1962 for USA, to further his studies . He graduated from High School, before entering one of the Senior Colleges of the City University of New York , to  study History and Political Science .

Holder obtained a Magna Cum Laude ( Upper Second Honours Degree ), was elected to Phi Bella Kappa, the oldest and one of the most prestigious Academic honour societies and consequently, was awarded the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship.

He was required to work more than twenty hours a week , to help to support himself and his studies .

Determined to succeed, he followed a route leading  towards his goal of achieving a doctorate.  Having applied to five top US Universities and being accepted by all , he opted to move to Harvard University.

In the late 60s, the Ford Foundation had begun a programme to support Black students who were pursuing doctoral studies .  Outstanding Black students tuition fees and living expenses  were funded by the Black Pride Fellowship , created at the time.

The learned and  urbane ,  Professor was an awardee.

Professor Holder did not live on campus, choosing instead to live in Massachusetts and becoming immersed in  ‘ the daily lives of the Black and local citizens ’.

After leaving Harvard with his Doctorate,  Holder assumed duties at the College of Staten Island , City University,  New York, where he taught History of the US and African American Studies, from 1975.   He obtained full Professorship status in the early 1990s and retained that position until  his retirement in 2018.

Professor Holder was held in great esteem at the University and on retirement, a scholarship was created in his name and honour.

May he Rest in Peace .

Professor Holder was  converted to Buddhist faith..

Note: I am indebted to Bindley Blackman and Boo Nurse , for background information regarding our Fallen Comrade.

Additional Read https://barbadostoday.bb/2021/03/14/btcolumn-the-harvard-man-from-sweet-bottom/