The goal for the Social Justice page of the Emanuel Nine Foundation is to reflect on Mother Emanuel’s mission to end racism and hate. This page will highlight key news events on social justice or injustice. We will encourage voting, encourage nonviolent protest and will inspire readers to take action as well as provide hope that change will truly happen.

Newsfeed

  • All
  • COVID-19
  • Family News
  • Memorial News
  • Social Justice

CBS: Memorializing mass shootings

It’s all so sickeningly repetitive. Another shooting at a gay nightclub: five dead, at least 18 wounded in Colorado Springs. Three days later, another shooting at a Walmart: seven dead, including the gunman. In Chesapeake, Virginia, mass shooting #607 this year in the United States, according to the Gun Violence Archive. But believe it or […]

P&C: Inflation delays groundbreaking, adds costs to Charleston’s Emanuel Nine Memorial

By Rickey Ciapha Dennis Jr. rdennis@postandcourier.com Read the full article here The memorial honoring the victims and survivors of the 2015 Emanuel AME Church shooting is moving forward, but the project has grown more expensive and won’t be breaking ground this year. To help, both the cities of Charleston and North Charleston have responded with […]

Emanuel Nine Memorial in the works could get funding from city

by: Jordan Cioppa CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – An Emanuel Nine Memorial project in the works could soon get some help from the City of Charleston. The project will honor the nine victims who were killed on June 17, 2015, when a gunman opened fire in the Emanuel AME Church during a Bible study. According to […]

Memorial expected to break ground this fall

By Lauren Quinlan CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – As Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston marks seven years since the mass shooting that killed nine of its members, church leaders are planning to break ground this fall on a memorial to the victims. The Rev. Eric Manning, the senior pastor of Mother Emanuel, says they […]

Boeing donates $500,000 to Memorial

By Ross Norton The Boeing Co. has donated $500,000 to the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board for the Emanuel Nine Memorial. The board manages the fundraising, construction, endowment and outreach for the memorial. “The Emanuel Nine Memorial honors our dear friend, the late Rev. Clementa Pinckney, his fellow worshipers and their families,” Lindsay Leonard, senior […]

P&C: Memorial to victims in Emanuel AME Church mass shooting on track for fall groundbreaking

By Adam Parker Post and Courier If all goes as planned, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation will break ground this fall. The memorial honoring the nine members of Emanuel AME Church who were killed in a mass shooting on June 17, 2015, and the five people who survived the attack, will replace a portion of […]

New York Times: “A ‘Sad Kinship’ as Towns Build Memorials to Victims of Mass Shootings”

Click here to read the story from The New York Times. Here’s the PDF.

USA Today article about the Emanuel 9

‘We’ve slipped into forgetfulness’: Charleston church shooting survivors demand gun control Click here to read the story on USA Today. Here’s the PDF.

Fresh Cravings gives to the Emanuel Nine Project

Working to transform instances of hate into opportunities of love, healing, and peace, the Emanuel Project is raising money to help fund a memorial created by the Emanuel Church. The memorial is set to honor the nine church members who were killed in a hate crime in 2015 and the five survivors. The Emanuel Project’s […]

City of Charleston makes $2M donation to Emanuel Nine Memorial construction, programs

From abcnews4 CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The board which oversees the Emanuel Nine Memorial announced Wednesday a $2 million donation from the City of Charleston. The donation is meant to help fund the construction of the memorial and help grow the foundation’s social justice programs and initiatives designed to end racism, The Mother Emanuel Memorial […]

Ford Foundation Donates $500,000 to Emanuel Nine Memorial

Grant will fund social justice initiatives to help eradicate racism CHARLESTON, S.C. May 5, 2021 – The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board, which manages the fundraising, construction endowment and outreach for the Emanuel Nine Memorial, announced the Ford Foundation has donated $500,000 to the Emanuel Nine Memorial. The funding will help the Mother Emanuel Memorial […]

Daunte Wright

Minnesota National Guard deployed after protests over the death of man following a police shooting during a traffic stop Read the full story here (CNN) — Hundreds of people protested Sunday night after a Black man in Minnesota was shot by a police officer and died following a traffic stop. The shooting happened Sunday in […]

Post & Courier: Eliana Pinckney honors father, carves new path

To read the full story, visit here on postandcourier.com. Photo by Lauren Petracca. Below is a portion of the article: Nearly 6 years after Charleston massacre, Eliana Pinckney honors father, carves new path By Jenna Schiferl jschiferl@postandcourier.com Mar 14, 2021 Eliana Pinckney was only 11 years old when her father, a longtime faith leader, activist […]

Hear Will Liverman’s song about the Emanuel Nine, written by Marcus Amaker

Charleston poet laureate Marcus Amaker’s poem about the Nine, “The Rain,” was set to music by composer Shawn Okpebholo for Will Liverman’s album, “Dreams of a New Day.” The album and song has received attention from NPR, New York Times, Washington Post, and more. Listen to the song, below. Purchase the album here.

Sharon Risher’s book “For Such a Time as This”

Sharon Risher’s book “For Such a Time as This” is available at 20% off until March 1. Click here to purchase, and use the code MDA20. It kicks off the Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America book club.

La Times: A Black reporter’s road trip to the inauguration — and a search for America’s ‘soul’

By TYRONE BEASON This is a snippet of a story that ran in the LA Times on Feb. 7. To read the full piece, go here. WASHINGTON — By the time I watched Kamala Harris walk past the White House as the first woman and first woman of color elected vice president, I’d driven more […]

National Gun Violence Survivors’ week

Gun violence in this country is so routine that we just offer up our “thoughts and prayers,” and move on until there’s another incident and then offer up more “thoughts and prayers” and move on. This week is National Gun Violence Survivors’ week. Instead of offering up thoughts and prayers, let’s work together to stop […]

Chris Singleton’s new book

Chris Singleton, son of Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton who was senselessly murdered by a white supremacist at the Mother Emanuel AME Church massacre on June 17, 2015, announced he will begin pre-orders for his new book Your Life Matters. Click here to preorder the book. “This book is a great way to be intentional with teaching […]

Amanda Gorman’s – The Hill We Climb

Amanda Gorman made history Wednesday when she became the youngest inaugural poet during President Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in Washington. Here is the text of Gorman’s poem, “The Hill We Climb,” in full: When day comes, we ask ourselves, where can we find light in this never-ending shade? The loss we carry. A sea we […]

Mother Emanuel to ring bells for Presidential Inaugural festivities

Mother Emanuel AME Church will participate in the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s nationwide memorial to honor those who have died from COVID-19. At 5:30pm today, Mother Emanuel’s church bells will ring to remember the more than 400,000 Americans who have lost their lives to the ongoing pandemic. Click here to learn more.

Pastor Manning’s column in Post and Courier

Commentary: Words matter, and Griffin’s actions are a teachable moment To read the whole article, click here. There is a growing claim that white supremacy isn’t violent and that there isn’t a history of systemic racism in America. This dangerous rhetoric couldn’t be more false. America is at the intersection of two pandemics: COVID-19 and […]

Emanuel Nine Memorial Foundation Board Appoints Executive Director, Announces Social Justice Initiatives

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board, which manages the fundraising, construction, endowment and outreach for the Emanuel Nine Memorial, announced Kimberlyn Davis as Executive Director today. The Board has selected Davis, a Charleston resident and former marketing executive, to guide the construction of the memorial and lead the foundation’s educational programs and […]

Veteran’s Day

On this Veteran’s Day, we pause to recognize and remember Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr. and his honorable service to the United States, as well as the countless others who have served and continue to serve our country.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris

Like many of you, we are elated Vice President-elect Kamala Harris has shattered the glass ceiling. May she continue to open hearts and minds, and inspire action and change.

Charlotte Post: Cynthia Graham Hurd’s brother works with City Council to restore traffic around BLM mural

Here’s a snippet of the article. To read the whole thing, go here. by Ashley Mahoney | The Charlotte Post South Tryon Street between 3rd and 4th streets reopened to vehicle traffic this morning. The block in Uptown became a pedestrian-only space three days after the Black Lives Matter mural was painted there on June […]

President elect Joe Biden & Mother Emanuel AME

The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation congratulates President Elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. on becoming the 46th President of the United States. President Elect Biden is no stranger to Mother Emanuel AME. Jamila Gadsden, whose aunt Myra Thompson was one of the nine souls lost on June 17, 2015, remembers this about Biden’s visit, “His visit […]

The American Prospect: Return to Mother Emanuel

Here’s a snippet of the article. To read the whole thing, go here. The site of the 2015 hate crime that killed nine parishioners was in many ways a preview for an ugly era in race relations and politics. BY BRITTANY GIBSON CHARLESTON, S.C. – “With fear and trembling” is how the Rev. Eric S.C. […]

VOTE today!

If you haven’t already voted, please do so today! Be sure you take your ID and mask with you.

NY Times Opinion: When My President Sang ‘Amazing Grace’

Here’s a snippet of the article. To read the whole thing, go here. We’ve forgotten what it’s like to have a truth-teller and a healer in the White House. By Thomas L. Friedman This is my last regular column before Election Day, so what is there left to say? Instead of giving you an answer, […]

Rev. Manning speaks about the Emanuel 9 in new video

George Floyd’s Birthday

George Floyd would have celebrated his 47th birthday. Today, we pause to remember Mr. Floyd and reflect on the needed change his senseless death has brought to this country. As we head to the polls this voting season, we remember you, Breonna Taylor and the countless other black men and women who have been killed […]

Deja Stallings

Video has surfaced showing a Kansas City police officer kneeling on the back of a 25 year old Deja Stallings, who is nine months pregnant, during an arrest at a gas station on September 30. Upset protestors have been gathering for more than 5 days demanding the resignation of Police Chief Richard Smith. For more, […]

Dr. Ade Ofunniyin

The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Ade Ofunniyin. Dr. O, as he was affectionately called, was the CEO of the Gullah Society and taught at the Avery Research Center and the College of Charleston. Dr. O passionately educated us about the Gullah […]

Jonathan Price

The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation is angered, yet at the same time, extremely saddened to learn another black American has been needlessly killed by law enforcement last Saturday night. Jonathan Price was trying to break up a domestic disturbance at a gas station when he was tasered, shot and killed by the police in Wolfe […]

Absentee Voting in Charleston and SC

In person absentee voting started today in South Carolina and will be available until October 31. For information about in person absentee voting locations in Charleston County and the surrounding areas, please click here.  

Absentee voting locations

Election day is right around the corner and the Charleston County Board of Elections has announced locations for in-person absentee voting, starting next Monday, October 5th. Click here to review the locations. Remember, we are in the final days to register to vote, go to www.scvotes.org for more information.

Breonna Taylor

The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation is extremely disappointed and saddened to learn the officers involved in the murder of Breonna Taylor will not be charged with her death. We will continue to keep Ms. Taylor’s family in our prayers and will continue to advocate for a justice system that is fair for all Americans.

Rev. Coleman-Singleton’s birthday

We wish Rev. Coleman-Singleton a happy HEAVENLY birthday today. We think about you every day and remember your beautiful smile and sweet, sweet spirit. Our love is with your family and friends.

National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day! Please make sure you are registered to vote. Go to register to vote, to update your registration, apply for an absentee ballot and more, go to www.scvotes.gov.  

Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an incredible Supreme Court Justice who dedicated her entire legal career to the pursuit of equal justice by eliminating all discrimination, which is in line with our mission as a Foundation. To honor her and her legacy we encourage you to vote in this year’s election.

Bank commits to helping underserved communities

First National Bank of PA, which has banking centers in the Charleston area, has announced a $250 million commitment intended to help underserved communities through affordable housing and small business initiatives, workforce and cultural preservation opportunities, financial education programs, community organization partnerships and infrastructure investments. “First National Bank of PA reaffirms its commitment to the […]

Bank of America invests in black owned Optus Bank

Bank of America has invested $50 million in three black-owned banks in the US as part of their $1 billion pledge over the next 4 years to advance racial equality. One of the banks directly benefiting from this investment is Optus Bank based in Columbia, SC. Optus Bank has also received money from PayPal last […]

Collegiate athletes are taking a stand against social injustices

College athletes are making their voices heard on the issues of racism and social injustice.  One of the athletes is Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who used social media to outline a specific action plan that college athletes believe will help fight social injustices. The five-part plan includes: Ensure all teammates are registered to vote and […]

Police Brutality Continues #SayHisNameDanielPrude

Last night, protests erupt in Rochester, NY over a newly released video showing a black man suffocating to death in March after cops put a ‘spit hood’ over his head and pressed his face down until he stopped breathing. Click here for more.

Pearlie Harris honored on downtown Greenville mural

Ms. Pearlie Harris worked as an educator for over 32 years. She was a pioneer in the state’s school system, serving as the only Black teacher at an all-white school, except for one Black child, until Greenville county formally integrated in 1970. After overcoming years of discrimination from parents and students, Harris persevered and ultimately […]

March on Washington

Today is the 57th anniversary of the March on Washington. The march advocated for the civil and economic rights for African Americans. Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his historic “I Have a Dream” speech in which he called for an end to racism.   Today, the march will […]

SC Hate Crime Bill

South Carolina is one of three states in the country without a formal law protecting citizens from hate crimes. Having a hate crime law would enhance any punishment for a criminal offense if deemed a hate crime. Yesterday, a small group of house members heard from several people in favor of having a hate crimes […]

SC Black Owned Bank and PayPal

Optus Bank, an African American bank based in Columbia, SC, announced that they are the first bank to receive $50 million in deposits from PayPal. The money is part of the company’s $530 million commitment to racial justice and economic opportunity. Optus Bank has been lending to minority- and women-businesses since 1921. For more about […]

Kris Middleton speaks out about injustice

Milwaukee Bucks star Kris Middleton, who graduated from Porter Gaud in Charleston, released a statement yesterday regarding the Jacob Black shooting as the NBA postponed playoff games for Wednesday and Thursday.  Here’s his statement, according to the Post and Courier, “It’s not the first time this has happened in my community. I had two incidents […]

#SayHisName Trayford Pellerin

On Friday, August 21, another black man was killed by police. This time it was in Lafayette, LA.  Trayford Pellerin, 31, was in the convenient store parking lot when officers attempted to apprehend him and he fled the scene and officers took off after him using tasers and gunfire. He was taken to the hospital […]

#SayHisName Jacob Blake

We are sending healing thoughts and prayers to Jacob Blake who was shot at least seven times in the back by police officers Sunday night in Wisconsin, while his children watched. By the grace of God, Mr. Blake is still alive. Over the last 2 days, he has had several surgeries and is paralyzed from […]

We stand with Joe Biden

Joe Biden has formally accepted the Democratic Party Nomination for President of the United States. We are reminded of the times when Mr. Biden visited Mother Emanuel Church. During one visit, he literally slipped into our church just a few weeks after the death of his son Beau. He was at Mother Emanuel to be […]

MetalSmiths for Change donates $2100 to the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation

Many thanks to MetalSmiths for Change for donating over $2100. This generous contribution will help build the memorial and the social justice programs we are working on to help eradicate hate and racism. To learn more about MetalSmiths for Change, click here.

AME Church’s official statement on Kamala Harris

This is the Day that the Lord has Made: Council of Bishops Statement on the Selection of Senator Kamala Harris as the Presumptive Democratic Vice-Presidential Nominee. In May 2020, presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee, Joe Biden committed to adding a woman to his ticket. Throughout the summer, Biden has been encouraged to select a woman as […]

Remembering Floyd Breeland

Yesterday, the Charleston Community lost a giant. Retired State Representative and Mother Emanuel Church member Floyd Breeland passed away. He was 87. Mr. Breeland served in the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 111, from 1993 – 2007.  Prior to serving in the SC House of Representatives, he was a public school educator for 33 […]

#SayHisNameMichaelBrown

On this day six years ago, Michael Brown Jr. was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, MO. He was just 18 years old. Mr. Brown was a recent graduate of Normandy High School. He loved music and was an amateur rap musician who posted songs on SoundCloud under the handle “Big […]

Free Virtual Town Hall

Featuring Michael Moore with Charlamagne Tha God – host of The Breakfast Club, Ilyasah Shabbazz – daughter of Malcolm X, Steve Benjamin – Mayor of Columbia, SC; and Chevara Orrin – Inspirational Diversity & Inclusion Maven for a dynamic conversation about The State of African America. Join via zoom here.

Know Your History: Voting Rights Act 1965

On this day, 55 short years ago, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Signed by President Lyndon Johnson, the act outlawed the discriminatory voting practices adopted in many southern states after the Civil War. Many black Americans faced tremendous obstacles to register to vote and voting itself including poll taxes, literacy tests, harassment […]

Aurora, CO police department under scrutiny again

On Sunday, August 2, Aurora, CO police pulled over and drew their guns on Brittney Gilliam and four minors after mistaking her car for a stolen vehicle. In the car with Ms. Gilliam was her 6-year-old daughter, her 12-year-old sister, 14- and 17-year-old nieces. The ladies were handcuffed and placed down on the concrete will […]

New park named after Reverend Pinckney

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster helped break ground Thursday morning on a park to honor The Honorable Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney. Amazing Grace Park – The Clementa Pinckney Memorial will serve as a memorial to the state senator and lead pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston. Click here for more info

Make Good Trouble

As John Lewis is being laid to rest in Atlanta, GA today, he left us with some final thoughts. Click here to read the essay titled “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation”.  Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

More Than a Vote

Prominent black entertainers as well as current and former athletes such as LeBron James, Trae Young, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jalen Rose have come together to help fight systemic and racist voter suppression that impacts black communities. The organization, called More Than A Vote, will inspire black Americans to register to vote and cast their ballot […]

99 days until the November election

With less than 100 days until the next national election, if you aren’t registered to vote, please go to www.scvotes.gov to register.  And it’s not too early to think about whether you want to vote in person (at a poll) or absentee. If you plan on voting by absentee, check out the absentee voting section […]

Must Read: White Fragility

White Fragility is a great book to help understand the depths of racism and its lasting impacts on generations. It also dives into why it’s important for black Americans to continue to be allies with white Americans to find solutions to help end systemic racism in the United States.    Purchase here from the local […]

What’s Going on in Portland, Oregon

Perhaps you were wondering the same thing. There have been weeks of protests since the death of George Floyd, with protestors calling for racial justice and changes to policing. Federal authorities have a presence in the city and are using unmarked vehicles to detain people.  Click here for all the details

#SayHisNameSamDuBose

Yesterday marked 5 years since Samuel “Sam” DuBose was just 43 years old when he was killed by a police officer. Mr. DuBose was from Cincinnati, Ohio and was a rapper, music producer and entrepreneur and motorcycle enthusiast. He founded a motorcycle club called Ruthless Riders. Above all he was a devoted father. We remember […]

COVID-19 Testing Sites

Below is a list of Charleston area COVID-19 testing sites for this week, part of Fetter Health Care’s plan to help fight the virus. These sites are in addition to the usual COVID-19 testing sites. Monday, July 20 – West Ashley High School from 8am – 1pm Tuesday, July 21 – Jennie Moore Elementary School […]

Know your history: Rev. C.T. Vivian and Rep. John Lewis

In a short span on 24 hours, we lost two giants who fought for social justice issues for all people. Rep. John Lewis and Rev. C.T. Vivian worked tirelessly and fearlessly for equal rights; especially voting rights. Let’s honor both men by continuing to fight for social justice and by voting in every local, state […]

Why it’s so hard to remove offensive monuments in South Carolina?

Removing war memorials, confederate leader statues and flags has proven to be a difficult task in South Carolina due to a law passed in 2000 called the South Carolina Heritage Act, which calls for at least two-thirds of both the House and Senate to approve the removal of the monument. However, a new lawsuit filed […]

Strike for Black Lives

On Monday, July 20th, workers across the United States will walk off their jobs as part of the #StrikeForBlackLives. By withholding labor, our most valuable asset, we are supporting the dismantling of racism and white supremacy to help bring fundamental changes to society, economy and workplaces. Click here to learn more about strike locations and […]

I Can’t Breathe

It’s been six years since Eric Garner repeated “I can’t breathe” eleven times while lying face down on a sidewalk in New York. It’s been six years since he lost consciousness on that sidewalk and remained lying there for seven minutes until an ambulance to arrive. Eric Garner was married to Esaw Garner and was […]

Today is a great day to demand justice for Breonna Taylor

Yesterday, protestors gathered at the home of Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron asking for the arrest of the officers in the death of Breonna Taylor, who was shot eight times while she was in the bed. Over 85 protestors were arrested including Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth, Houston Texans wide receiver Kenny Stills and Porsha […]

Helping to Eliminate Excessive Force by Police

The use of excessive force by the police continues, even after the death of George Floyd. Campaign Zero has laid out an 8 step policy to help eliminate excessive force by police which sometimes results in lives being lost. Among the policy includes requiring de-escalation techniques, banning chokeholds and strangleholds and providing a warning before […]

#SayHerNameSandra Bland

Today, we commemorate the 5th anniversary of Sandra Bland’s death. Ms. Bland was only 28 years old when she died. Ms. Bland was born in Naperville, Illinois and had four sisters. She graduated with a degree in agriculture from Prairie View A&M and was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho. After college she returned to […]

Denmark Vesey – a fighter for racial equality

Denmark Vesey, a leader of Charleston African Americans, one of the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (now called Mother Emanuel), a husband and a father died on this day nearly 200 years ago. Mr. Vesey was accused, convicted and ultimately killed (along with 34 others) for being a leader of “the rising”, the […]

Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to spread through our city, state and country. Please take the proper precautions to protect yourself and others from this virus. Click here to learn how to protect yourself and where the testing and screening sites are in South Carolina. CVS is expanding the stores where they will test for COVID-19. Below is […]

Justice for Elijah McClain

Almost one year ago, an unarmed 23-year-old Elijah McClain, was approached by three Aurora, CO police officers as he was walking home from a convenience store. A struggle ensured with the officers and McClain and unfortunately resulted in McClain’s death. We ask that you click here and sign the petition to demand the officers involved […]

Video – Remembering the Emanuel 9: Five Years Later

Arranged and edited by Jamila Gadsden, niece of Myra Thompson.

Justice for Breonna Taylor

It’s been over 100 days since Breonna Taylor was shot and killed while she was lying in her bed by Louisville Metro Police. Only one of the three police officers who opened fire has lost his job. None of the involved officers are facing criminal charges. Calls for action continue to get louder and louder. […]

#ThisIsForCynthia

The Charleston County Public Library has launched the #ThisIsForCynthia campaign to honor the life of beloved former Charleston County librarian, Cynthia Graham Hurd and the other beautiful souls who lost their lives at the Mother Emanuel Church five years ago. The campaign encourages members of the community to perform acts of kindness and then post […]

Unity March to Rally for Justice For All

On Sunday, June 21, Mother Emanuel Church and the Scott family came together to honor the Emanuel 9 and Walter Scott. A Unity March was led down Calhoun Street to Mother Emanuel Church where they held a rally calling for “Justice For All”.  Mother Emanuel’s pastor, Reverend Eric Manning stressed the goals of the rally, […]

Juneteenth

On June 19, black Americans throughout the country will celebrate Juneteenth, an American holiday observed annually to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The first Juneteenth was celebrated in 1865 in Galveston, TX, when Union general Gordan Granger read federal orders that all slaves were free. This event took place two […]

‘Take it down:’ Calhoun Monument will be moved from Marion Square, Charleston mayor says

Nearly 124 years after it was erected, the John C. Calhoun Monument in Marion Square will come down and be relocated, Charleston’s mayor said on Wednesday. City Council members will vote to remove and relocate the statue during their Tuesday meeting, Mayor John Tecklenburg said. Jubilation over the mayor’s decision by those in the crowd […]

Malcolm Graham remembers sister 4 years after she was killed in Charleston church shooting

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – Monday marks 4 years since a young man opened fire at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, killing 9 parishioners that were at a Bible study. This week there will be services, memorials, and events to honor those that lost their lives. One of those that will be in attendance is former […]

Emanuel Nine Memorial Foundation Observes Fifth Anniversary of Mother Emanuel AME Tragedy with New Website, Unity March

Read the full article here. The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board and Mother Emanuel AME Church announced June 16 the launch of a new website in memory of the Emanuel Nine as well as details for a planned unity march on June 21 in downtown Charleston.  EMANUEL NINE MEMORIAL WEBSITE Five years into planning and raising funds for a […]

Emanuel Nine Memorial Foundation commemorates fifth anniversary with new website and unity march

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – As the 5th anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME church shooting arrives, many commemorations will be taking place in honor of the victims and survivors. The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board and Mother Emanuel AME Church announced the launch of a new website in memory of the Emanuel Nine as well […]

SPECIAL: ‘Remembering the Emanuel 9’

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – Wednesday marks five years since nine lives were taken at Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston. Watch the video here.

‘We must move with a sense of urgency’: leaders finalizing Emanuel 9 memorial design

It’s still just a model, but a memorial honoring the Emanuel 9 victims and survivors is taking shape. “We must move with a sense of urgency,” said Emanuel Church Reverend Eric Manning. “It gives us and creates a space for us to have a conversation.” He says the memorial will have a survivors’ garden, which […]

Unity March – June 21, 2020

A unity march will happen, in remembrance of The Emanuel Nine, Walter Scott, and George Floyd. See the flyer, below, for more info:

Civil Rights Groups call for the removal of Calhoun statue and repeal of Heritage Act

Civil Rights groups have called for removal of the John C. Calhoun statue and in conjunction area lawmakers are asking to repeal the Heritage Act which protects any state monument or memorial from being removed without legislative approval. Click here

CHS Students for Black Lives march

A Facebook group called “CHS Students for Black Lives” will have a peaceful march tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17th at 4pm at the Marion Square Fountain. This peaceful march will commemorate the 5th year anniversary of the Mother Emanuel massacre and the death of George Floyd. For more information, please click here.

Town Hall to Commemorate the 5th year anniversary of Mother Emanuel Massacre

Tomorrow, Wednesday, June 17, Representative Joe Cunningham and Majority Whip Jim Clyburn will host a virtual town hall to discuss gun violence, police brutality and systemic racism. For more information and to RSVP click here.

Reverend Sharon Risher in The New Yorker

The Reverend Sharon Risher, whose mother and two cousins were killed in the Charleston church massacre, describes herself as an “accidental activist.” Becoming an advocate for gun-violence prevention has helped lift her out of her grief, she says. “Now I don’t really carry that ache in my heart. . . . I had stuff to […]

The Rev. Anthony Thompson’s letter in the Post & Courier

People of all cultures are hurt, tired and provoked by the unjust killings of black men by white police officers. This recent killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minnesota is the straw that broke the camel’s back, and we are angry. Some of us are protesting peacefully, voicing our concerns at […]

Prayer Walk protest march

Thursday, June 4. Faith leaders and elected officials from the Charleston area participated in a Prayer Walk protest march. The all-day protest march started at First Baptist and ended at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Throughout the walk, the leaders provided inspirational messages. Among them, Chris Singleton, who spoke outside Mother Emanuel AME Church. Singleton’s mother […]

Chris Singleton’s book, “Different”

Last year, Singleton began writing the book titled “Different.” His mother’s character is a teacher who helps a student from Nigeria adjust and shine in her new surroundings. Crafting this story allowed Singleton to bond with his mom all over again. “My illustrator is phenomenal at drawing,” Singleton said with a smile. “I hope people […]

Former President Obama Brings Us Hope

On Wednesday, June 3rd, former President Barack Obama spoke out about the impact of the ongoing pandemic we are facing and also the protests happening across the country as a result of the death of George Floyd. Obama reminded us that this country was founded on protest, he encouraged young men and women to continue […]

Protesting and Protecting Yourself from COVID-19

As Americans continue to protest the death of George Floyd across the country, public health officials are extremely concerned that demonstrators and police are possibly increasing the spread of COVID-19. If you are protesting, please protect yourself and others by wearing a mask around your face to help prevent the spread of COVID.

Voting Matters

Longstanding Republican Iowa Representative Steve King lost his bid for reelection this week. Steve King, who is best known for his racist and anti-LGBTQ+ comments over the years, was beat by Randy Feenstra in the Republican primary. President Donald Trump offered his congratulations to Feenstra, who will square off against Democrat J.D. Scholten on November […]

Bank of America Grants $250,000 for Emanuel Nine Memorial

CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 5, 2020 – Today, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board announced Bank of America’s grant of $250,000 to construct a permanent memorial honoring the Emanuel Nine, the nine clergy and church members murdered in 2015 at the Mother Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston, South Carolina.    “Mother Emanuel AME Church is […]

Wells Fargo Grants $500,000 for Emanuel Nine Memorial

CHARLESTON, S.C. Oct. 2019 – Today, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board announced Wells Fargo’s $500,000 grant to construct a permanent memorial honoring the Emanuel Nine, the nine clergy and church members murdered in 2015 at the Mother Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston, South Carolina.  “Wells Fargo is committed to honoring the victims, supporting their […]

The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation Pledges $1 Million for Emanuel Nine Memorial

First Major Gift is Earmarked for Memorial Construction CHARLESTON, S.C. – August 28, 2019 – Today, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board announced The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation’s pledge of $1 million, the first major gift for the permanent memorial honoring the Emanuel Nine, the nine clergy and church members murdered in 2015 at […]

Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church Unveils Plans for Memorial with Michael Arad

Charleston, SC – July 15, 2018 – Today architect Michael Arad revealed design plans for a permanent memorial honoring the victims of the Emanuel Nine tragedy. Arad, the architect behind the National September 11 Memorial in New York, conveyed his inspiration for the Emanuel Nine Memorial at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church following a ceremony celebrating […]