Remembering the Martyrdom of Jonathan Myrick Daniels

By: Joe McDaniel, Jr*

This is the second of a two-part series about Jonathan Myrick Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage, which will be held on August 9, 2025, in Hayneville, Alabama. READ PART I

As we approach the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of Jonathan Myrick Daniels' martyrdom on August 9, 2025, it is essential to reflect on this pivotal moment in American civil rights history. Daniels, an Episcopal seminarian and an active participant in the civil rights movement, sacrificed his life while working to promote justice and equality. His martyrdom serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial injustice and the need for continued advocacy for civil rights.

On this significant anniversary, the celebration will be marked by a special Eucharist at the very courthouse in Hayneville, Alabama, where an all-white jury infamously acquitted Tom Coleman, the man responsible for Daniels' death. This setting is not merely a location but a powerful symbol of the systemic injustice that existed at the time and still resonates in today’s society. The Rt. Rev. Michael Bruce Curry, the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church and a leading voice for social justice, will serve as the guest speaker, further elevating the importance of this occasion.

The celebration of the Eucharist in the courthouse where the acquittal took place underscores the complex relationship between faith and justice. During this sacred moment, the judge’s bench will serve as an altar, transforming a space associated with injustice into one of hope, remembrance, and divine grace. This act not only honors Daniels' legacy but also calls upon the community to confront the realities of racial injustice that still exist.

In reflecting on the significance of this event, it is crucial to remember the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who famously said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote resonates deeply as we gather to commemorate Daniels' sacrifice, reminding us that the fight for justice is collective and ongoing. The Eucharist serves not only as a memorial but also as a call to action, urging all to continue the work that Daniels and other martyrs of the civil rights movement began.

Additionally, the scripture from John 15:13 states, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This passage encapsulates the essence of Daniels' actions. He devoted his life to the service of others, standing up against the injustices faced by African Americans during a time of intense racial turmoil. His martyrdom exemplifies the ultimate act of love—sacrificing everything for the sake of others and the greater good.

As we gather to remember Jonathan Myrick Daniels, it is a moment not only of reflection but also one of reaffirmation of our commitment to justice, equality, and love for our neighbors. The significance of the Eucharist, particularly in the courthouse where Daniels' legacy faced such stark injustice, serves as a powerful reminder of the work that still lies ahead in achieving true equality.

By commemorating this anniversary, we honor Jonathan Myrick Daniels not only as a martyr but as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the tireless pursuit of justice. It calls upon all of us to carry forward the torch of his legacy and to strive for a more just and equitable society.

For more details about the Jonathan Daniels and the Martyrs of Alabama Pilgrimage on August 9, 2025, visit https://www.dioala.org/jonathan-daniels-pilgrimage/

* Mr. McDaniel is a member of The Executive Council for The Episcopal Church, and he also serves as the co-chair for the Commission on Racial Justice & Reconciliation for the Episcopal Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast.