John C. Daniels facts for kids

John C. Daniels (born April 25, 1936 – died March 14, 2015) was an important American politician. He served as the mayor of New Haven, Connecticut from 1990 to 1994. He made history as the first African-American mayor of that city.

Who Was John C. Daniels?

John C. Daniels was born in Macon, Georgia. He later moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where he grew up. He was a very talented football player in high school.

His Education and Early Career

John Daniels went to James Hillhouse High School in New Haven. After that, he earned a special sports scholarship to play football at Villanova University. There, he studied economics and earned a bachelor's degree. He continued his studies at Occidental College, where he earned a master's degree in urban studies.

Before he became a politician, Daniels worked as a teacher. He taught in the school systems of West Haven, Hamden, and East Haven.

John Daniels' Political Journey

John Daniels was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Connecticut State Senate. This is a group of elected officials who make laws for the state. He represented parts of New Haven and West Haven.

Becoming Mayor of New Haven

In the 1970s, Daniels also served on the New Haven Board of Aldermen. This is like a city council that helps run the city. In 1989, he decided to run for mayor of New Haven. He challenged the mayor at the time, Biagio DiLieto.

Daniels won the primary election, which was a big step. In New Haven, winning the Democratic primary often meant winning the main election. This is because many people in New Haven support the Democratic Party. When he won, John C. Daniels became the first African-American mayor of New Haven. He was reelected easily in 1991. He served two terms as mayor before stepping down in 1994.

What He Achieved as Mayor

During his time as mayor, John C. Daniels helped New Haven become a leader in "community policing." This is a way of policing where police officers work closely with the people in the community. They build trust and solve problems together. Many of the police strategies he started were later used by bigger cities.

His Legacy and Recognition

John C. Daniels was also a deacon at the Dixwell Congregational Church in New Haven. In 2006, a new school was named in his honor. The John C. Daniels Elementary School is a public school in New Haven. It is a special magnet school that offers bilingual education. This means students learn in both English and Spanish. It serves students from pre-kindergarten up to eighth grade.

His Passing

John C. Daniels passed away on March 14, 2015.