June 17, 2015: There was an Assassination and Massacre of Nine Black Political, Citizen, and Community leaders in Charleston, SC at church, “Mother Emanuel”, during Bible Study by a Hate Filled Young White Man. Rev. Pinckney, State Senator, Pastor and Eloquent Community leader, along with 8 of his associates were murdered by this hate filled young man who came to the church asking for the pastor by name. The Bible study members welcomed the young man. The young man responded with death.
This is the church of Denmark Vesey, a church that has been destroyed and rebuilt throughout its nearly 200 year old history and has returned to lead with love. It is the firm but gentle leader Fox News often claims they want but can not find. To the Church and to Charleston – Let me echo the words of a UCC pastor: … “You whose shepherd has been taken from you, whose building has become a tomb, whose children are terrified: We stand with you. We weep with you. We rage for you. We keep vigil with you for your beloved dead.” Black lives matter. Black leaders matter. Black leadership spaces matter.
Violets in the Grass 