Clifton Daniels

Clifton Daniels was born on August 11th 1934 in Mobile Alabama, and was the son of Jack and Louise Daniels. He had one brother, James Daniels. Louise moved the family to Brooklyn New York in 1942 to find a better life for the family. She worked tirelessly to make sure that both Clifton and James had the needed love and support to be successful in life. Clifton was a proud product of the NYC Public School system and always spoke glowingly about being from Brooklyn NY and the positive energy of the people in NYC. It fueled him. Clifton graduated from Franklin K Lane High School where he played baseball and basketball. Basketball was the family passion. In January 1955 Clifton and James integrated the University of South Dakota basketball team as scholarship athletes. With the color barrier broken, the Daniels brothers helped the USD Coyotes team win the 1958 National College Basketball Tournament. He talked often about his coach and teammates and the impact of his experiences and friendships he developed. After graduating from the University of South Dakota, Clifton joined the United States Marine Corps. He completed the Platoon Leaders Class and became an Artillery Officer. Clifton served until 1962 and was honorably discharged. After leaving the military, Clifton began working in the NYC Public School system. He had a passion for working with young people, community development and giving back. It was his calling. Clifton continued his education and attended NYU Law School where he received his JD in 1973. He held multiple positions at Restoration Corporation in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn and worked for the City of New York under the Koch, Dinkins and Giuliani administrations. He never wavered in his commitment to bring fair and equal access to resources to uplift the community. At the time of his passing Clifton was married to Liane Daniels his wife of 21 years and the love of his life. He leaves to celebrate his life his daughter, Marita; two sons, Steven and David; three grandchildren, nieces and nephews and loving relatives and friends.