Seventh Anniversary of Mother Emanuel

Clay Middleton, Candidate for Mayor of Charleston

Seven years ago today, nine faithful worshipers were murdered at the conclusion of praying during Bible study at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. 

Not only today, but everytime I visit Mother Emanuel, drive by the church, or think about those I personally knew that were killed and survived, my heart gets heavy. They did not deserve this. 

I remember, like most of us, where I was when news broke of what happened at Mother Emanuel that dreadful night. A white supremacist took the lives of nine souls that welcomed him into their weekly Bible study. Hate and pure evil wanted to destroy our faith and cause a race war in the Holy City and around the country.

To the surprise of many, it was that very faith that persevered and displayed a living testimony for us to follow. 

Thoughts and prayers alone will not end such tragedies. The ongoing work to tackle such evil, bigotry, and fight for equity is an enduring task. However if Congress passed closing the Charleston Loophole and other common sense gun reforms, it would prevent families, friends, and communities from being part of a club no one wants to join. 

Let us not ignore the hard work and substance that is needed to call out discrinmation, denounce racism and hate, and stop terrible people from obtaining weapons for the sole purpose of committing murder. 

May this day and the anniversaries to come serve as our accountability on answering this question: have I done all I can to be the light that drives out hate and ensure that my actions match my words?

Remember their names.