06/18/2026
"A Walk Through History and Grace in Charleston, South Carolina"
As we mark the 11th anniversary of the tragedy at Mother Emanuel AME Church, I find myself reflecting on an unexpected encounter I experienced while visiting Charleston, South Carolina, shortly after my son's graduation from The Citadel.
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, my family and I were enjoying an afternoon in downtown Charleston. While they continued shopping along King Street, I wandered off with my camera to explore the city through my lens.
Soon, I found myself standing at the steps of a place forever etched in our nation's memory: Mother Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.
I spent a few moments outside reading the plaques and viewing the memorial. Something gently pulled me toward the open doors of the church. As I climbed the steps and entered the sanctuary, I noticed an elderly female parishioner sitting quietly in the last pew near the back entrance.
She looked up, greeted me with a warm smile, and said, "Welcome, child. What brings you to Mother Emanuel today?"
I explained that I had been walking through Charleston, taking photographs, and felt drawn to stop and visit the church. We spoke briefly about my son's graduation from The Citadel, my family shopping nearby on King Street, and my love of photography.
She graciously shared the beauty of the sanctuary with me, pointing out the original hardwood floors, stained-glass windows, and artwork that had stood the test of time. As we talked, I commented on how much history seemed to live within those walls.
"Indeed it does," she replied, "both good and bad."
She was right. In that moment, I could feel the weight of history, the strength of resilience, and the presence of peace amid pain.
I asked if I might take a few photographs of the sanctuary. She smiled and said, "Of course."
She encouraged me to capture the original artwork and pointed toward the choir loft.
"Don't forget to look up at the Cross in the window behind the gold pipes of the pipe organ," she said. "It's beautiful at night when the light shines through and makes the Cross glow."
Before I began taking photographs, she offered one final thought.
"Tell our story."
Those three words have remained with me ever since.
One year later, on the 11th anniversary of the tragedy at Mother Emanuel, I continue to do exactly that.
"Founded in 1816, Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest AME church in the Southern United States and one of the oldest Black churches in America. For more than two centuries, it has stood as a symbol of faith, perseverance, and hope. Its congregation worshiped through slavery, endured persecution, survived the church being burned and outlawed following the Denmark Vesey rebellion of 1822, and rebuilt after the Civil War. Through every challenge, Mother Emanuel remained a cornerstone of Charleston's African American community and a beacon of faith for generations.
On June 17, 2015, that history was forever altered when nine members of the congregation were murdered during a Bible study inside the church. What began as an evening of fellowship and worship became one of the most heartbreaking acts of racial violence in modern American history.
Yet the story of Mother Emanuel is not defined solely by tragedy. It is also a story of faith, forgiveness, resilience, and grace. The church and the families of those lost demonstrated extraordinary strength in the face of unimaginable pain, reminding our nation of the power of love over hatred".
Today, we remember the Emanuel Nine:
🕊️ Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney
🕊️ Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
🕊️ Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd
🕊️ Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor
🕊️ Tywanza Sanders
🕊️ Ethel Lee Lance
🕊️ Susie Jackson
🕊️ Rev. Daniel L. Simmons Sr.
🕊️ Myra Thompson
As I look back on that afternoon in Charleston and the photographs I captured, I remember the kindness of a parishioner who welcomed a stranger through the doors of her church and entrusted him with a simple request:
"Tell our story."
On this anniversary, I hope these photographs and reflections help do just that.
The photos in this post are best viewed in full screen.
Remember their names.
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