It should not be referred to as the “Charleston Shooting,” or the “Black church with nine dead members.” It should be referred to as the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church memorial for nine individuals who opened their arms for all, even as a killer sat in their midst. Hate was the personal agenda of the shooter, but sensationalism his ultimate goal. It is not about him - there are plenty of headlines attributing his need for attention, neglecting the more powerful individuals who are now being laid to rest.
The six women and three men of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church were known to be part of the “kind-hearted” congregation. If you were hungry, tired of feeling a loss of faith in Charleston, South Carolina, well you always had a home. A disturbed individual with no love in his heart took advantage of that kindness in the worst way possible, with an agenda to create division, more hate and headlines. Let us not give that to him.
State Senator Clementa C. Pinckney was a man of peace. He looked forward to meeting with his church members and bringing about the power of healing. He was a community man who never backed down from a challenge and was known as a passionate and kind-hearted pastor. He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
Reverend Depayne Middleton Doctor put her power of faith into assisting underserved individuals in her community. She worked with those struggling in poverty and homes that were unsafe. She worked until she made sure individuals had a strong roof over their heads and even septic tanks as needed. She was a county employee until her 2005 retirement.
Reverend Daniel L. Simmons retired from another church in Charleston. He joined the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church for bible study and church every week. He was known as a God-fearing man with a passion to embrace those with his love and faith.
Cynthia Hurd will soon have her employer honor her in an amazing way. She was a librarian and manager for the St. Andrews Regional Library since 2011, but worked in varying capacities in other library centers for more than three decades. St. Andrews will change their name to honor the kind-hearted and loving Hurd. All 16 county branches closed Thursday to remember the “true public servant.”
Myra Thompson was a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and wife to Reverend Anthony Thompson from the Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church. She was a former school teacher who visited the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church to teach their weekly bible study.
Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton is being remembered as a wonderful and loving mother, daughter of God, a speech teacher and girls’ track and field coach for Goose Creek High School. She was a professional, but also warm, inviting, and an “excellent role model” athletic director Chuck Reedy shared. Her son, Chris Singleton, made a powerful statement during a Thursday night vigil, “I just say, ‘Love is always stronger than hate,’ so if we would just love the way my mom would, then hate won’t be anywhere close to what love is.”
Tywanza Sanders was just celebrating his recent accomplishments and graduation from Allen University in Columbia. He was a prospering entrepreneur, a student remembered for his amazingly calm outgoing personality and way to connect with people. Fellow students recall Sander’s kindness, the type of person who helped someone “hold onto faith,” and would give the shirt off his back. Sanders died when he tried to protect his aunt Susie Jackson - witnesses shared he tried calming the killer prior to the shooting that killed him and two of his relatives.
Ethel Lance dedicated more than 30 years of her life serving God and her parish. She worked in various capacities for Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was known as “Granny” by her family, and called the heart of her loved ones. She was a dependable, loving and accepting person who would help anyone without question. Lance and Susie Jackson were cousins.
Susie Jackson had the heart of the church and God in her life. She was the faithful voice of the church’s choir. With an easy smile for anyone and a voice of an angel, Jackson was known as a giving and loving friend, mother and grandmother. She was looking forward to a trip to Chicago this weekend. She will be remembered for her passion in faith and openness.
Viral Global News extends our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of these nine amazing individuals. May they rest in peace.