Bloody Monday (Danville) facts for kids

Bloody Monday is the name given to a series of events that happened on June 10, 1963, in Danville, Virginia. It was a day of protests for civil rights. People were speaking out against unfair segregation laws. They also wanted to end racial inequality.

This protest was one of many held in June 1963. It brought together experienced civil rights activists. Some famous names included Ivanhoe Donaldson and Avon Rollins. Robert Zellner and Dorthy Miller (Zellner) from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee also joined. News organizations across the country criticized the events. They especially focused on the trials that followed. Judge Archibald M. Aiken oversaw these trials.

What Happened on Bloody Monday?

The Protest and Arrests

During the day, thirty-eight protesters were arrested. They were jailed for taking part in the peaceful demonstrations. That evening, about fifty more protesters gathered. They went to the city jail for a prayer vigil. This was a quiet way to show support.

The Attack and Aftermath

However, the people at the vigil were attacked. The town's police and special deputized citizens used billy clubs. They also used powerful water hoses. This attack led to many injuries. Sixty-five people had to go to the town's African-American hospital. Forty-seven of those hurt were from the prayer vigil.

A month later, on July 11, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. visited Danville. He came to support the brave demonstrators. He chose not to lead a march that day.

The Unfair Trials

Judge Aiken began the trials for the arrested protesters on June 17. Many people and groups criticized how he handled these cases. Even the United States Department of Justice raised concerns.

During the trials, Judge Aiken refused to give out important legal papers. He also would not allow delays or bail for the arrested people. He announced guilty verdicts from a script he had already prepared. This made it almost impossible for the defendants to appeal their sentences. His actions were seen as very unfair.