The Reverend Sharon Risher, whose mother and two cousins were killed in the Charleston church massacre, describes herself as an “accidental activist.” Becoming an advocate for gun-violence prevention has helped lift her out of her grief, she says. “Now I don’t really carry that ache in my heart. . . . I had stuff to […]

People of all cultures are hurt, tired and provoked by the unjust killings of black men by white police officers. This recent killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minnesota is the straw that broke the camel’s back, and we are angry. Some of us are protesting peacefully, voicing our concerns at […]

Thursday, June 4. Faith leaders and elected officials from the Charleston area participated in a Prayer Walk protest march. The all-day protest march started at First Baptist and ended at Mother Emanuel AME Church. Throughout the walk, the leaders provided inspirational messages. Among them, Chris Singleton, who spoke outside Mother Emanuel AME Church. Singleton’s mother […]

Last year, Singleton began writing the book titled “Different.” His mother’s character is a teacher who helps a student from Nigeria adjust and shine in her new surroundings. Crafting this story allowed Singleton to bond with his mom all over again. “My illustrator is phenomenal at drawing,” Singleton said with a smile. “I hope people […]

On Wednesday, June 3rd, former President Barack Obama spoke out about the impact of the ongoing pandemic we are facing and also the protests happening across the country as a result of the death of George Floyd. Obama reminded us that this country was founded on protest, he encouraged young men and women to continue […]

As Americans continue to protest the death of George Floyd across the country, public health officials are extremely concerned that demonstrators and police are possibly increasing the spread of COVID-19. If you are protesting, please protect yourself and others by wearing a mask around your face to help prevent the spread of COVID.

Longstanding Republican Iowa Representative Steve King lost his bid for reelection this week. Steve King, who is best known for his racist and anti-LGBTQ+ comments over the years, was beat by Randy Feenstra in the Republican primary. President Donald Trump offered his congratulations to Feenstra, who will square off against Democrat J.D. Scholten on November […]

CHARLESTON, S.C. – February 5, 2020 – Today, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board announced Bank of America’s grant of $250,000 to construct a permanent memorial honoring the Emanuel Nine, the nine clergy and church members murdered in 2015 at the Mother Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston, South Carolina.    “Mother Emanuel AME Church is […]

CHARLESTON, S.C. Oct. 2019 – Today, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board announced Wells Fargo’s $500,000 grant to construct a permanent memorial honoring the Emanuel Nine, the nine clergy and church members murdered in 2015 at the Mother Emanuel A.M.E Church in Charleston, South Carolina.  “Wells Fargo is committed to honoring the victims, supporting their […]

First Major Gift is Earmarked for Memorial Construction CHARLESTON, S.C. – August 28, 2019 – Today, the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation Board announced The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation’s pledge of $1 million, the first major gift for the permanent memorial honoring the Emanuel Nine, the nine clergy and church members murdered in 2015 at […]

Charleston, SC – July 15, 2018 – Today architect Michael Arad revealed design plans for a permanent memorial honoring the victims of the Emanuel Nine tragedy. Arad, the architect behind the National September 11 Memorial in New York, conveyed his inspiration for the Emanuel Nine Memorial at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church following a ceremony celebrating […]