James Peck

James "Jim" Peck was a New York-born pacifist, civil rights activist, and journalist. As a WWII conscientious objector he refused induction in 1942; convicted under the Selective Training and Service Act and served 18 months at federal prison camps including Danbury. After the war he was one of 16 participants in the 1947 Journey of Reconciliation organized by CORE and FOR — the precursor to the Freedom Rides. He was again a Freedom Rider in 1961 and was severely beaten by Klansmen in Birmingham, Alabama on Mother's Day 1961, requiring 53 stitches. Long-time editor of the CORE-later.