Charleston Commemorates 10 Years Since Mother Emanuel Church Shooting

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — The Charleston community is preparing to mark the 10th anniversary of a tragic mass shooting at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where nine people lost their lives during a Bible study on June 17, 2015.

State Representative JA Moore, whose sister Myra Thompson was among the victims, described this moment as a time of reflection on his sister’s life and legacy. “She had what I call relentless love. She would call you once, then twice, and if you didn’t answer, she’d show up at your door,” he said.

The shooter, identified as a white supremacist, entered the church with the intention of starting a race war. The aftermath of the shooting sparked a call for actions against hate crimes, and Moore, along with Rev. Eric Manning, the church’s senior pastor, have been advocating for a hate crimes law in South Carolina.

<p“I feel stuck because we still haven’t been able to label what this white supremacist did,” Moore said. “He committed a crime of hate, and we are one of two states that can’t label that.”

Rev. Manning emphasized the importance of healing for the community during this month of remembrance. “There may be setbacks, but it’s important to encourage one another to avoid despair,” he said.

An ecumenical service in collaboration with the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is scheduled for tomorrow, featuring themes of healing and forgiveness. “We are encouraging people to continue on their healing journey,” Manning stated.

Additionally, the church will host a Bible study and mental health sessions this week to facilitate healing among participants. “We hope to provide ideas for those who may feel stuck in their healing since that fateful day,” he said.

Moore reflected on his sister’s enduring impact on the community, saying, “For 10 years, I have thought about how much love my sister had for this church, her family, and her community.”