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SPLC Remembers the Charleston Church Shooting Victims and Survivors

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Today marks the sixth anniversary of the Charleston Church massacre.

The following statement is from SPLC Chief of Staff Lecia Brooks:

“Today is the sixth anniversary of the Charleston Church massacre and we make space to honor the lives taken by white supremacist violence.

  • The Rev. Clementa Pinckney
  • Cynthia Hurd
  • The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
  • Tywanza Sanders
  • Ethel Lance
  • Susie Jackson
  • Depayne Middleton Doctor
  • The Rev. Daniel Simmons
  • Myra Thompson

“They didn’t know that the events of that night would shine a light on the nation's persistent anti-Black violence or become a flashpoint in the nation’s ongoing dialogue about Confederate symbols on public land.

“As a country, we must also confront the gun violence that continues to destroy communities, making our streets, schools, workplaces and places of worship unsafe. Their deaths should not be in vain.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with the families and survivors left behind.”