Melvin was born on October 25, 1949, in Los Angeles, CA to parents Richard Aaron, Sr. and Bertha Maye Aaron. He graduated from Manual Arts High School in 1967 and attended Hastings College in Nebraska before transferring to UC Santa Barbara. In 1969 he married Janice Marie Smith, and they had four sons during their 11-year union. Melvin played baseball while in college and graduated with a B.A. in History in 1971 and was drafted by the California Angels.
After two years in the Angel’s minor league organization, Melvin left baseball to pursue his career as an educator, obtaining his Master's degree in Political Science. Professor Aaron was an educator at Los Angeles City College for over 20 years and was formerly the LACC Head Baseball Coach.
Melvin encouraged his sons and students to challenge conventional thinking. He taught his sons to question tradition and always think critically. He would frequently say and text to his sons “stay consciously grounded and remain vigilant!”
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Sr.; his mother, Bertha; and brother, Robert Aaron. He leaves to fulfill his legacy six sons, Teahoen (Danielle), Shango, Amilcar (Jameeka), Oginga, Zuriel, and Jaren. Cherishing his memory are his brothers, Richard Jr., Wilmer (Sharon), Donald (Shearl); and his sisters, Ramerius Delores Williams, Takreem Aaron-Lyday (Michael). He leaves a life’s legacy to two granddaughters; Alana and Ariel, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and generations of students
Sincerely
Frank Bojorquez Or as Mel would call me "Frankie"
Leave a Tribute
I took Professor Aaron's poli sci class twice
Reflections on Melvin
I was just reflecting about my brother Melvin. As I did, I felt a sense of pride. My siblings knew how gifted Melvin was. So do his wonderful sons and anyone who crossed his path.
My brother Wil mentioned so many things Melvin excelled in. He forgot to mention Melvin could really dance on skates. Oh, he was “tough.” He could hit you with some P-Funk on wheels. I marveled at his ability to turn the corners and criss-cross his legs and then do some crazy leg MC Hammer stuff.
Melvin was an exceptional chess player too. He won many high school chess contests. I smile when I reflect upon his giftedness and his propensity to make the complex plain and simple with so many endeavors. God blessed my brother Melvin with some tremendous gifts which he used to educate, inspire and pull others to excellence.
Melvin had a big heart and he was sensitive to the needs of others. He would drive from the University of California at Santa Barbara in his two-toned colored Volvo and we would cruise from LA back to Santa Barbara listening to the Spinners, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, and Peter Tosh. He loved his music.
When we arrived at his campus apartment, we would switch music gears and meditate on some John Coltrane-My Favorite Things, and Miles Davis who Ran The Voodoo Down! It was Melvin who introduced me to Jazz as a high schooler as I soon immersed myself into the likes of Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery, Monk, Rollins, and the Crusaders.
It was really “cool” hanging with my older brother who understood my boredom being the only brother still at home and still in high school.
Melvin pushed me to excel academically. He provided me a framework of thinking and insight into the complexity of major life issues affecting me personally, communally, and universally. Melvin was indeed a great thinker and I thank him for the positive influence he had in my life. I thank him for his support, motivation, and love.
A special note-Melvin, as great as he was as a baseball player and with a cannon for a throwing arm, he could never strike me out! That makes me smile as well. Such a lasting memory.I will miss him. I will always love him. I will always cherish the good in him. Rest in peace my brother Melvin. I love you.
Dancing with Dee
