When Professor Kientz sent out a mass email inviting students to have lunch with Eddie Daniels, I quickly responded with great enthusiasm. I got the honor of sitting next to Daniels and his words were beyond inspiring. After being found guilty of sabotage during the apartheid he was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Robben Island, where he met Nelson Mandela.
He told a great story about Mandela. Daniels said that one night he was sick on the Class D prison floor and Mandela heard news of his illness. Mandela personally went to Daniels, comforted him, gave him great encouragement and then carried his load.
He spoke very highly of the legendary man and stated that "he was one of the greatest persons ever to have been," which many would agree. Daniels spoke positively and daringly. One statement that I found incredibly empowering was "your intellect will take you everywhere."
He had a je ne sais quoi and an infectious love for life. Daniels became an activist at age 12, and he still has a youthful spirit. The University of Kentucky is truly lucky to have had this man expand his great knowledge and spirit to their students.
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