CHARLESTON, South Carolina — On June 17, the nation marks 10 years since a devastating mass shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. A white supremacist opened fire during a Bible study, killing nine Black worshippers. The event shocked the nation and left an indelible mark on the community.
Theodora Watson, a longtime church member, reflects on the tragedy: "I was here the night it happened but left before the shooter arrived. I still don't forgive him; he took something precious from us and our church."
The victims, now known as the Emanuel 9, are remembered through the church bells that toll nine times daily. They include Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson. Five survivors, including Felicia Sanders and her family, continue to heal.
Kevin Sack's book, 'Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church,' delves into the church's rich history. Established in 1818 by enslaved and free African-Americans, it has been a beacon of resistance against oppression, hosting notable figures like Booker T. Washington and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Rev. Eric Manning emphasizes the church's role in fostering hope and resilience, stating, "We need to carry a message of hope, resilience, and restoration." The church's legacy as a symbol of resistance and forgiveness continues to inspire.
The tragedy led to significant changes, including the removal of the Confederate flag from the statehouse. Charleston's journey toward reconciliation is ongoing, reflecting both progress and the lingering effects of its racial history.