The Memorial History

The inspiration for the memorial design is drawn from reflecting upon the lives and sacrifices of the Emanuel Nine: Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Mrs. Cynthia Graham Hurd, Mrs. Susie J. Jackson, Mrs. Ethel Lee Lance, Reverend DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Kibwe Diop Sanders, Reverend Daniel Lee Simmons, Sr., and Mrs. Myra Singleton Quarles Thompson.

The memorial design reflects the powerful and inspiring way in which the Emanuel Nine family members relied on the bedrock of their faith to reverse the spread of hate with a message of unyielding love and forgiveness.

Mission

The Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church Memorial honors the lives of the Mother Emanuel Nine. It celebrates love and forgiveness from the victims’ families and illustrates the spirit of resiliency shown by the survivors, church members, the Charleston community, and the world. The Memorial should motivate people and communities everywhere to eradicate racism and inspire greatness from all humankind.