William Sloane Coffin was born on January 6, 1924, in New York. From a young age, he showed a passion for music and dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. However, his path would lead him down a different road towards activism and advocacy for peace and justice.
Coffin attended Yale University, where he studied theology and quickly became involved in civil rights activism. He became a key figure in the fight for equality and justice, working alongside other prominent activists such as George Whipple.
After graduating from Yale, Coffin dedicated himself to promoting peace and justice worldwide. He played a crucial role in building the first training programs for the Peace Corps and oversaw the construction of the Puerto Rican training camp. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the organization and its mission.
Coffin was married three times. His first marriage was to Eva Rubinstein, followed by Harriet Gibney and then Virginia Randolph Wilson. He had three children named David, Alexander, and Amy. Tragically, Alexander passed away in a car accident, leaving a lasting impact on Coffin and his family.
William Sloane Coffin is remembered as a dedicated Christian clergyman and peace activist. He served as the President of SANE/Freeze, now known as Peace Action, the largest peace and justice group in the nation. His commitment to promoting peace and justice has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire others to this day.