More than a decade after a white supremacist entered the oldest African Methodist Episcopal Church in the South and murdered nine worshippers during a Bible study, a new memorial now honors their lives and legacy.
The Emanuel Nine Memorial officially opened to the public Saturday in Charleston, South Carolina. It sits adjacent to the Mother Emanuel AME Church, where neo-Nazi Dylann Roof opened fire on the Black parishioners.
“For our families, this memorial is deeply personal. It’s not just about remembering what happened on June 17, 2015. It’s about remembering who our loved ones were, how they lived and the love they shared with the world,” said Chris Singleton, son of the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, one of those killed.
“My mother was so much more than what happened to her that day. She was a woman of faith, a teacher, a coach and a mother who loved her family and her community,” he continued. “Knowing that future generations will have a place to learn about my mother’s life and the lives of all nine worshippers means everything. Their stories deserve to be told, and their legacies deserve to live on.”
The memorial, designed by New York City’s National Sept. 11 Memorial architect Michael Arad, includes the Cross of Hope, a courtyard anchored by the Fountain of Grace, a shallow basin with the names of the nine killed inscribed. Fellowship benches for quiet reflection surround the fountain.
A garden to honor the survivors of the massacre is planned for the near future.
The Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation established the memorial and said it has raised $25 million for the permanent public space. The funds will also support the garden, educational sessions designed to dismantle racism, and the memorial’s stewardship.
“There have been challenges along the way, but we never lost sight of why this Memorial matters. So many people have given their time, resources and hearts to make this day possible,” Deona Smith, executive director of the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation, said in a statement.
“We honor that collective effort and, most importantly, fulfill our promise to create a lasting place where the Emanuel Nine will always be remembered and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations.”