Jonathan Daniels
A Testament to Courage and Sacrifice in the Civil Rights Movement.
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Background
Early Life and Faith
Jonathan Myrick Daniels was born on March 20, 1939, in Keene, New Hampshire. The son of Phillip Brock Daniels, a physician, and Constance Weaver, Daniels felt a calling to ministry from a young age. He attended local schools before graduating as valedictorian from the Virginia Military Institute. A period of questioning his faith, possibly influenced by the death of his father and his sister's illness, gave way to a profound spiritual renewal during an Easter service at Boston's Church of the Advent in 1962. This experience solidified his decision to pursue ordination within the Episcopal Church.
Academic Pursuits
Daniels pursued English literature at Harvard University starting in the fall of 1961. Following his spiritual recommitment, he applied to and was accepted into the Episcopal Theological School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, commencing his studies in 1963 with the expectation of graduating in 1966. His academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to his faith and a growing awareness of the social injustices prevalent in the United States.
Activism
Answering the Call
In March 1965, Daniels responded to Martin Luther King Jr.'s call for support in Selma, Alabama, joining the pivotal voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery. Initially planning a brief weekend visit, Daniels and a friend, Judith Upham, decided to stay for the remainder of the semester to actively participate in the civil rights movement. He lodged with an African-American family in Selma and worked to integrate the local Episcopal church, facing resistance from some congregants.
Voter Registration and Aid
Daniels returned to Alabama in July 1965 to continue his dedicated work. He meticulously compiled lists of agencies offering assistance to those in need, tutored children, helped local residents apply for aid, and actively engaged in voter registration efforts. His commitment intensified following the passage of the Voting Rights Act on August 2, 1965, which aimed to dismantle discriminatory voting practices that had disenfranchised Black citizens across the South for decades.
Murder
Arrest and Imprisonment
On August 14, 1965, Daniels was among 29 protesters, including members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), who demonstrated against segregation at stores in Fort Deposit, Alabama. They were arrested and transported in a garbage truck to the Hayneville jail, where they were held for six days without adequate facilities. Authorities refused to grant bail unless all prisoners were released simultaneously.
The Tragic Sacrifice
Upon their release on August 20, 1965, the group gathered near the jail awaiting transportation. Daniels, along with a Catholic priest and two Black female activists, went to Varner's Cash Store for refreshments. Tom L. Coleman, an unpaid special deputy armed with a shotgun, confronted them. When Coleman leveled his weapon at 17-year-old Ruby Sales, Daniels pushed her to safety, absorbing the fatal blast of the shotgun. Coleman then wounded the priest, Father Richard F. Morrisroe, before ceasing fire.
Impact and Justice
A Martyr's Legacy
Martin Luther King Jr. eulogized Daniels' death as "one of the most heroic Christian deeds." The murder of a white seminarian defending a Black activist profoundly impacted many, including members of the Episcopal Church, highlighting the violent realities of racial inequality. Daniels' sacrifice galvanized support for the civil rights movement and underscored the moral imperative for change.
Unfulfilled Justice
Tom Coleman was indicted for manslaughter but acquitted by an all-white jury. Alabama Attorney General Richmond Flowers Sr. attempted to intervene, believing the charge should have been murder, but was blocked by the trial judge. Coleman faced no further prosecution and died at age 86. The lack of accountability for Daniels' death was seen by many as a stark example of the systemic injustice prevalent in the South at the time.
Commemorations
Religious Recognition
In 1991, the Episcopal Church officially designated Jonathan Myrick Daniels as a martyr. August 14 is now recognized annually as a day of remembrance for his sacrifice and that of other civil rights martyrs. He is among a select group of Episcopal martyrs recognized since the 20th century. The Order of Saint Luke, part of the United Methodist Church, also added Daniels to their calendar of saints.
Public and Academic Recognition
Daniels' life and sacrifice have been honored through various public and academic initiatives. His story is preserved in historical markers, academic works, and memorials, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations committed to justice and equality.
Representation in Media
Dramatic and Literary Portrayals
Jonathan Daniels' compelling story has been chronicled in various forms of media, bringing his sacrifice and the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement to wider audiences. These portrayals aim to preserve his memory and educate about the struggles for justice.
Further Reading
Recommended Resources
For a deeper understanding of Jonathan Daniels' life and the historical context of his activism, the following resources offer comprehensive accounts and analyses:
- Daniels, Jonathan Myrick (1992) [1967]. Schneider, William J. (ed.). American Martyr: The Jon Daniels Story. Morehouse Publishing. ISBN 978-0819215864.
- Eagles, Charles (2000) [1993]. Outside Agitator: Jon Daniels and the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama. University of Alabama Press. ISBN 978-0817310691.
External Links
Related Resources
Explore these external resources for additional information on Jonathan Daniels and his enduring legacy:
- Jonathan Myrick Daniels Profile
- Jonathan Myrick Daniels at Find a Grave
- Virginia Military Institute's Page on Daniels
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References
References
- His image is included in the webpage of St Andrew's Episcopal Church of Birmingham, Alabama, see http://www.standrews-birmingham.org/
- "Leadership Gallery: Jonathan Daniels, 1939รขยย1965", The Archives of the Episcopal Church.
- The Garden of Gethsemani from Flickr.
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