Emanuel A.M.E. Church Charleston, South Carolina Massacre
Tuesday was a very different day for me. It wasn’t a bad day, however, my heart was heavy. I drove to Charleston, South Carolina for a day trip.
Though I have family in the Carolina’s, and I am no stranger to the area, each visit south challenges me both mentally and emotionally. The remnants of slavery are still very present. So little change and progression for Blacks in South Carolina, the Carolina’s, sigh…The Southern states. All states. This trip was no different for me.
This was, however, my first trip to Charleston, since the Emanuel A.M.E. Church Racial Massacre. Emanuel A.M.E. Church is a pillar in the Black community of Charleston. It is a landmark. Emanuel A.M.E.Church was started in 1816, and it is the first independent Black denomination (African Methodist Episcopal).
This white washed church stands tall on the streets of downtown Charleston. Oh, if the walls could speak. The stories that would be told. But this Tuesday was different. Though the weather was humid and the sun was shining there was a bit of a chill in the air as I stood outside of Emanuel A.M.E. Church. There were a few tourist taking pictures, but the street was relatively quiet. There was certainly reverence for those who did pass the church. There is no mistaking something tragic happened here. On this street. In this church during a Wednesday night Bible study.
Home of Emanuel A.M.E. Church
Nine lives were lost on June 17th, 2015. The Rev. Clementa Pickney (41); Cynthia Hurd (54); Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45); Tywanza Sanders (26); Ethel Lance (70); Susie Jackson (87); Depayne Middleton Doctor (49); Rev. Daniel Simmons (74); Myra Thompson (59).
Services are still held here.
Most would think after the blood shed inside the sanctuary that the doors of Emanuel A.M.E. Church would be closed; however, each week services are still held, even Wednesday night Bible study. This is absolutely of no surprise to me. We are such a resilient people. We are such a faithful people. No matter the atrocities, injustice, or challenges we trust that GOD is still GOD! And though this particular visit touched me in a different way, I was happy to see that the doors of the church are still open. Emanuel A.M.E. Church is still serving the community, and all people are paying respect as they pass this historic church in Charleston, South Carolina. What a day. As challenging as the day was I am grateful to have had this moment and space.