Volusia Remembers Gathered to remember Lee Snell on May 23

Members of Volusia Remembers gathered at the grave site of Mr. Lee Snell on Saturday, May 23, 2020,  at 10 a.m., to honor his humanity as a victim of racial terror lynching (1939) and to give gratitude for his U.S. Army service. Mr. Snell’s grave is in the Mount Ararat Cemetery, 1427 Belleview Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida. Also in attendance were faculty members from Bethune Cookman University, Stetson University, representatives of the local chapters of NAACP and veterans community.

Mr. Snell was a veteran of WWI, having fought in the trenches of France. His remembrance by the Volusia Remembers Coalition coincides with Memorial Day remembrances of all US veterans.

Mr. Snell is also one of the five documented victims of racial lynching in Volusia County. While in custody, accused of the manslaughter of a child, Mr. Snell was murdered April 29, 1939 when a mob overtook the sheriff deputy’s vehicle transporting him from Daytona to DeLand.

Coalition members planned and facilitated the ceremony. Daisy Grimes arranged the event. Rick Buckelew assisted and has provided historical understanding.  Mary Allen and first chair Sharon Stafford cleaned the gravestone in preparation for our visit.  

In recognition of the spirit of a quiet remembrance, and in keeping with current CDC guidelines during the Covid 19 Pandemic, most attendees wore face masks. Attendees also maintained safe social distance between them. This event is the first public remembrance sponsored by the Volusia Remembers Coalition. Honoring the victims and educating the public about Volusia’s history of racial lynching are among the Coalition’s purposes.

Coalition member Daisy Grimes speaks at the remembrance. Daisy coordinated the event. The Volusia Remembers Coaltition is deeply grateful for her commitment and tireless efforts. In the background, listening, is Coalition co-chair Grady Ballenger.

Judge Hubert Grimes, retired, addresses the attendees at the May 23 event.

Daisy Grimes and Richard Buckelew place a patriotic floral wreath on the grave of Mr. Lee Snell at a ceremony of remembrance May 23.

Mayor Derrick Henry attended the remembrance for Mr. Lee Snell. Joining him is Danny Fuqua, a representative of the veterans community.

Coalition Member Rina Tovar Arroyo speaks at the remembrance ceremony.

To conclude the ceremony, Pastor Reginald WIlliams led in prayer.