An advocate for Native Hawaiian rights who was instrumental in the establishment of ethnic studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has died.
Marion Anderson Kelly died Nov. 12 at her home on Oahu. She was 92.
Kelly, born in Honolulu on June 4, 1919, was a classical musician in her youth, a mother and a widely respected field anthropologist at the Bishop Museum.
"She was an accomplished ethno-historian," said Patrick Kirch, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who once worked at the Bishop Museum.
Like her husband, the late John Kelly, who founded the conservation group Save Our Surf, she was an activist, opposed to the Vietnam War and an advocate for minority rights.
"Marion was infuriated at the injustices of the world, whether useless wars like Vietnam or the denial of equal rights to black Americans, the abuse of working people or the indignities suffered by the Native Hawaiian people," UH ethnic studies professor Noel Kent recalled.
Friends said her major contribution was in supporting a new academic discipline that looked at history from the perspective of Pacific islanders and Hawaii’s immigrant minorities.
The Ethnic Studies Program challenged traditional academicians’ approach to history by focusing on contributions made by waves of immigrants, ethnic laborers and their cultures.
Former University instructor Lawrence Kamakawiwo’ole said Kelly invited ethnic studies instructors to her home regularly in the early 1970s and served as a mentor in developing the curriculum about Hawaiians and other minorities.
He said her academic credentials and guidance helped to solidify the program, which is now a university department.
"Marion was academically solid, well known throughout the Pacific. … She was a key supporter," he said.
Davianna McGregor, an ethnic studies professor and member of the Protect Kaho’olawe Ohana, said Kelly also taught students to use their academic skills to help the community and to protect natural resources.
Kelly is survived by daughters Colleen and Kathleen, grandchildren Dana and Corey, and a great-grandchild.
A memorial celebrating her life will be held Monday at 4 p.m. at the Church of the Crossroads. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hawaii’s People’s Fund, 949 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 100, Honolulu 96814.
