James reeb biography

American activist and minister (–)

James Joseph Reeb (January 1, &#; March 11, ) was an American Unitarian Universalist minister, pastor, and activist during the civil rights movement in Washington, D.C., and Boston, Massachusetts. While participating in the Selma to Montgomery marches actions in Selma, Alabama, in , he was murdered by white segregationists and white supremacists, dying of head injuries in the hospital two days after being severely beaten.

Three men were tried for Reeb's murder but were acquitted by an all-white jury. His murder remains officially unsolved.

Life and career

Reeb was born on January 1, , in Wichita, Kansas, to Mae (Fox) and Harry Reeb.^[1][2] He was raised in Kansas and Casper, Wyoming.^[3] He attended Natrona County High School and graduated in , after which he joined the Army despite the fact that his commitment to the ministry made him exempt from service.

After basic training, he was sent to Anchor James Reeb of Casper, Martyr to Civil Rights | WyoHistory.org, carousel NUMOS