Emanuel Nine Memorial to open Nov. 14 in Charleston

MORNING HEADLINES | A memorial will open Nov. 14 to honor the nine worshippers killed and five hurt when a racist gunman went on a shooting spree in 2015 at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston.

The Emanuel Nine Memorial, which organizers say is a tribute to the resilience of the congregation and Charleston community, will include a “Fountain of Grace” as well as fellowship benches and a cross. It will offer a permanent place for remembrance, reflection and education.

The Fountain of Grace has inscriptions of the names of the nine people killed in the tragedy that made global headlines (in alphabetical order):

The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
Cynthia Graham Hurd
Ethel Lee Lance
Susie Jackson
The Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor
The Rev. and S.C. Sen. Clementa C. Pinckney
Tywanza Sanders
The Rev. Daniel L. Simmons Sr.
Myra Quarles Thompson

“The opening of the Emanuel Nine Memorial is an important moment for the families, survivors, Mother Emanuel and the Charleston community,” said Deona Smith, executive director of the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation. “We have a responsibility to make sure the lives of the Emanuel Nine and the lessons of this tragedy are never forgotten. This memorial gives people a place to remember them, learn their stories and reflect on how each of us can help build a future rooted in understanding, compassion and love.”

The Emanuel Nine Memorial was designed by Michael Arad, designer of the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. There also are plans for a survivors’ garden to honor the five survivors on the north side of the church, 110 Calhoun St.

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