About
The Emanuel Nine Memorial honors the lives lost and carries forward a message of love, resilience, community, and collective healing.
Our history
Mother Emanuel AME Church, founded in 1818, is the oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in the Southern United States.
The congregation has a long history of civil rights activism, including leadership by civil rights pioneer Denmark Vesey.
The massacre at Mother Emanuel remains the deadliest mass shooting in South Carolina’s history and one of the deadliest racially motivated mass shootings in modern American history.
The unimaginable acts of hate against the Emanuel Nine and the survivors as they welcomed a stranger into their bible study, were met with an overpowering response from their families:
Hate won’t win.
The memorial serves to actively teach, practice, and amplify the power of love.
Love is Stronger Than Hate
The collective movement toward grace began less than twenty-four hours after the tragedy, when nineteen-year-old Chris Singleton spoke at a vigil at Goose Creek High School after losing his mother, Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and offered a message that helped set the tone for the days ahead: “We are already forgiving him… Love is stronger than hate.”
Amazing Grace
On June 19, 2015—just two days after the tragedy—the world witnessed an extraordinary moment of collective grace when the families of the Emanuel Nine spoke during the Charleston bond hearing, offering words of sorrow, faith, and forgiveness rather than retaliation. Their responses, including statements from Nadine Collier and Anthony Thompson, helped shift the national conversation toward unity, healing, and the enduring belief that empathy and love can answer even in the deepest darkness.
The Emanuel Nine
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Cynthia Graham Hurd was a lifelong librarian and community leader who dedicated 31 years to public service in Charleston. She served as a regional branch manager for the Charleston County Public Library system. Her life’s work centered on expanding literacy, education, and community resources for underserved neighborhoods.
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Susie Jackson was a cherished 87-year-old elder, matriarch, and lifelong member of Mother Emanuel AME Church. She sang faithfully in the church choir and was a dedicated member of the usher board. Her legacy is defined by her deep devotion to her family, her faith, and her welcoming spirit to all visitors.
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Ethel Lee Lance was a dedicated sacristan and grandmother who served Mother Emanuel AME Church for over thirty years. She managed the care of the historic sanctuary and kept the church running smoothly. She is remembered as a pillar of strength, love, and unwavering support for her family and congregation.
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Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor was an ordained minister, community administrator, and talented vocalist. She worked as a county director for community development and later as a financial analyst at Southern Wesleyan University. Her life was defined by her powerful voice in the choir and her passion for Christian education.
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Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney was the senior pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church and a distinguished South Carolina State Senator. Answering the call to ministry at age 13, he became the youngest African American elected to the state legislature at age 23. He used his platform to advocate for social justice, economic equality, and community empowerment.
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Tywanza Kibwe Diop Sanders was a talented 26-year-old entrepreneur, barber, and graduate of Allen University. Known for his artistic spirit and bright ambition, he was committed to launching a career in business. In his final moments, he demonstrated immense courage by attempting to protect his family and fellow worshippers.
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Reverend Daniel Lee Simmons, Sr. was a retired pastor and a decorated United States Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Even in retirement, he remained an associate pastor at Mother Emanuel AME Church, visiting the sick and teaching scripture. He spent his life dedicating his energy to pastoral care, discipline, and teaching faith.
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Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton was an associate pastor, a high school speech therapist, and a successful track and field coach. She guided student-athletes at Goose Creek High School with passion and discipline. She balanced her professional career with a profound dedication to youth mentorship and spiritual leadership.
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Myra Singleton Quarles Thompson was a dedicated educator, counselor, and leader within the Mother Emanuel congregation. She taught in local public schools and poured her energy into guiding young people toward successful paths. On the evening of June 17, 2015, she was leading the historic Wednesday night Bible study.
The Survivors
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Charleston native and lifetime Emanuel member. Hairdresser, wife, mother and grandmother.
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Charleston native, granddaughter of Felicia Sanders
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Native of Florence, SC. Retired nurse, wife and mother .
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Wife of Pastor Clementa C. Pinckney. Mother of two daughters.
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Resident of Lexington, SC. Daughter of Reverend Clementa and Jennifer Pinckney.
