Eleven years after a gunman tried to start a race war by shooting nine people to death while they prayed, Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston is unveiling a memorial where people can remember and reflect.
“We have a responsibility to make sure the lives of the Emanuel Nine and the lessons of this tragedy are never forgotten,” said Deona Smith, the executive director of the Mother Emanual Memorial Foundation.
Today the foundation announced the memorial will open to the public on Nov. 14 in a courtyard beside the church. It will feature a cross of hope as well as two large marble benches with curved walls that encircle a fountain inscribed with the names of those killed.
They are Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Cynthia Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Rev. Daniel Simmons, Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton and Myra Thomspon.
The site will also honor the five survivors as well as the resilience of the historic church.
“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,” said Smith.
The memorial was designed by Michael Arad who also created the National September 11 Memorial in New York City. The foundation says it expects to release more details about the opening in the coming weeks.
