Jonathan Daniels - A Hero for Justice

Seminarian Activist

Born: March 20, 1939, Keene, New Hampshire, U.S.A.
Died: August 20, 1965, Hayneville, Alabama, U.S.A.

Jonathan Daniels was a white seminarian who gave his life to protect a young Black activist during the Civil Rights Movement.

Born in Keene, New Hampshire in 1939, his father was a Congregationalist and physician, and his mother was a teacher. Jonathan and his sister Emily grew up in a loving household, with their wants and needs met. Jonathan’s life was filled with religion, and he joined the Episcopal Church as a teenager, even contemplating a future in ministry while in high school, though he eventually dismissed the idea.

After graduating from high school in 1957, Jonathan enrolled at Virginia Military Institute, where he excelled in his studies and graduated as valedictorian in 1961. He applied and was accepted to Harvard University and began his graduate studies in English literature. That year, Jonathan attended an Easter service, which renewed his passion for his faith. Finally answering the call, he had earlier put aside, Jonathan left Harvard and turned to the Episcopal Theological Seminary to pursue a new goal: the priesthood.

During this period, the Civil Rights Movement was ramping up. Jonathan paid close attention to the social climate around him, wanting to see things change for the better. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called for ministers to join him on a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, Jonathan was so moved that he knew he had to follow Dr. King’s lead. Even though school was in session, Jonathan made fighting for equality his priority and requested permission to continue his studies on his own, returning to school only for exams in order to spend more time listening to communities, learning about racism and combatting it. His request granted, Jonathan got to work. He participated in demonstrations and protests, helped Black people register to vote, brought Black people to churches with him to support integration efforts, and more.

Jonathan met the beginning of his end in 1965 in Fort Deposit, Alabama. He was arrested with fellow protestors at a demonstration that was like many others he had attended, but in a city known to be particularly racist and violent. The jail Jonathan and his group stayed in was in poor condition. For days, they suffered in a hot, overcrowded cell without air conditioning, a shower or basic sanitary accommodations. Jonathan tried to keep spirits up by singing hymns and leading his group in prayer.

Almost a week after their arrest, Jonathan’s group was released. They decided to walk to a store to purchase a cold drink. However, Thomas Coleman, an off-duty part-time deputy sheriff, stood by the store with a gun. He aimed his gun at Jonathan’s teenage Black friend and fellow protestor Ruby Sales and told them to leave. Jonathan and his group tried to explain that they were simply there to purchase a drink, but the sheriff would not listen and pulled the trigger. Seeing the gun still pointed at Ruby, Jonathan leaped into action, pushing her and saving her life while sacrificing his own. Thomas’ bullet pierced Jonathan, who passed away almost immediately. The rest of Jonathan’s group split up in the ensuing chaos, escaping with their lives, but never forgetting the trauma they experienced that day. Thomas took an innocent life but was never truly brought to justice. He was acquitted by an all-white jury, claiming self-defense and asserting that Jonathan’s group had weapons (though none were ever found).

While Jonathan lost his life to a violent act of hatred and racism, his passing was not in vain. His life and legacy became a story of heroism and inspiration for others. Dr. King later heard of Jonathan’s actions and said, "One of the most heroic Christian deeds of which I have heard in my entire ministry was performed by Jonathan Daniels.” The Episcopal Church paid homage to Jonathan by adding the date of his death, August 14, 1965, to its Calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. England’s Canterbury Cathedral named him a martyr, one of only 15. Jonathan’s seminary established a fellowship in his honor. Additionally, Ruby would later become a well-respected Civil Rights activist, professor and advocate for women’s welfare and LGBTQ+ rights.

Jonathan was just getting started on making the world a better place, but the actions he took in his short life nevertheless made a rippling impact. Jonathan took a stand against racism as a white, educated and fairly wealthy young man. Though he would not have personally benefited from fighting for equality, he chose selflessness and courage and stood on the right side of history anyway. He used his privilege to help Black people solely because it was the right thing to do. It has been nearly 60 years since Jonathan’s passing, and unfortunately, racism lives on. Jonathan is a figure to look up to now, just as he was then. White allies and other people of color in positions of privilege today can remember Jonathan as the fight for equality continues.

References:
Anthony DeLorenzo, FRONTLINE. “Jonathan Myrick Daniels.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/interactive/unresolved/cases/jonathan-myrick-daniels.
“Biography of Jonathan Daniels.” City of Keene, 13 Jan. 2025, keenenh.gov/human-rights-committee/biography-jonathan-daniels/.
“Research Guides: Digital Exhibits: Jonathan M. Daniels, Civil Rights Hero.” Digital Exhibits - Research Guides at Virginia Military Institute, libguides.vmi.edu/digital-exhibits/Daniels.

Keywords:
Justice, Civil Rights, Conscience, Courage, Responsibility, Selflessness, Take Risks for Others, Stand Up for Your Beliefs