Today, we pause to rememberand honor the Emanuel 9—The Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Simmons Sr., Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson—whose lives were taken in a horrific act of racist violence at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
They were gathered in prayer, study, and sacred community when hatred sought to destroy what God had called beloved.
As people of faith, we remember that racial violence is not only part of our history—it remains a present call to action. At ReconcilingWorks, our commitment to justice includes the ongoing work of anti-racism, truth-telling, dismantling white supremacy, and building communities where all people are safe, celebrated, and free.
We honor the Emanuel 9 not only in memory, but in our continued commitment to the work of liberation.
May we remember their names.
May we tell the truth.
May we do the work.
#Emanuel9 #SayTheirNames #AntiRacism #RacialJustice #ReconcilingWorks #FaithForJustice
