Charleston, SC Marks 10th Anniversary of Emanuel AME Church Shootings

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church tragedy, one of the most devastating hate crimes in modern U.S. history. On June 17, 2015, nine worshippers-collectively remembered as the Emanuel Nine-were shot and killed during a Wednesday evening Bible study by a white supremacist who was welcomed into the historic Black church.

Ten years later, the Charleston community gathered in solemn remembrance at Mother Emanuel to honor the lives lost and reflect on the legacy of resilience and forgiveness that followed. Faith leaders, survivors, family members, public officials, and community advocates joined together for a powerful commemorative service that featured prayers, scripture readings, and the singing of "Amazing Grace"-a hymn that echoed through the nation in the days following the massacre.

Among those honored were Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., and Myra Thompson.

The anniversary also spotlighted the ongoing struggle for racial justice and legislative reform. Speakers called for the advancement of hate crime legislation in South Carolina-one of the few states still without such laws-and renewed appeals for comprehensive gun safety measures.

"This is more than a moment of reflection," said Malcolm Graham, brother of victim Cynthia Graham Hurd and author of a new book exploring the societal fractures the tragedy exposed. "This is a call to action-because ten years later, the very conditions that led to this horrific act still persist."

Rose Simmons, daughter of Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., released a deeply personal documentary honoring her father and the Emanuel Nine's enduring legacy, stating, "We must continue to tell their stories-not as victims, but as victors of faith, love, and justice."

As the nation remembers this painful chapter, Mother Emanuel remains a symbol of grace, strength, and unwavering hope-a beacon in the fight against racism, hatred, and violence.

 

 

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