On Thursday, October 11, 2012 Eddie Daniels spoke to 250 DeWitt High School students during an assembly in the auditorium. Mr. Daniels spoke of his life experiences, which include fighting to bring down the apartheid government of South Africa. He also spoke of his friendship with Nelson Mandela whom he met in prison. Students were deeply touched by the courage, positive outlook, and appreciation expressed by Mr. Daniels. Especially surprising was his acknowlegement of and gratitude for the role of United States citizens in helping to bring down the apartheid government. Another great insight shared by Mr. Daniels "... to never give up hope no matter how bleak a situation seems." The following is a poem read by Mr. Daniels to finish his presentation:
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menance of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.
William Ernest Henley (1849-1903)
Many thanks to Dr. John Metzler of the Michigan State University African Studies Center, Skip Croley, and Martie Croley for helping to bring Mr. Daniels to DeWitt High School.