20 June 2015

Emanuel AME - this morning

Emanuel AME, Calhoun St., Charleston, SC
And then I walked across the peninsula in tears wondering how we could still be raising such racist hate filled young people at a time when all races learn and work together. I wanted to blame parents and imagine that he had grown up in a hate filled household and yet in what appears to be his essay he says "I was not raised in a racist home or environment".

The more I learn about the victims I suspect every single one of them was a better person than I. This is beyond my understanding. I can't write anything that makes sense so pictures will have to do.


12 comments:

Angelj052@gmail.com said...

Hi Joan
It appears you had as much trouble writing your blog as I had writing mine. It does appear they were stalwalts of the community and why this should happen to them is beyond me.. then I thought, it was a great honor to be called home while praising the Lord. But the fear and pain of the ultimate betrayal of one they had welcomed into their midst..still baffles me. this one is was purely mentally challenge...one friend says he was racist one friend says he was not., this was the act of one man not his family or society. He was not raised in a racist and his family did not approve, clearly shown by the fact they turned him in.or helped too. People are looking for answers..perhaps in this case it is..one person thought he could start a race war and sit back and watch. Clearly He chose the wrong city to dio this in. One Mans Choice, He will get his due. thank you for the beautiful post, Joan. It uplifts as always..

Catalyst said...

Sympathy, Joan.

William Kendall said...

I had to stop reading the manifesto... revolting is not adequate to describe that level of loathing for others.

I wondered about the family being a source of that hatred, but that doesn't appear to be the case.

These pictures speak volumes, though, of the way people are responding to what's happened. This is the Charleston the world needs to see. I'm impressed and deeply touched.

Kate said...

That despicable person made the tragic decision that led to this horrible massacre, and I think it is unwise to lay blame elsewhere. Of course there are motivating circumstances yet I feel strongly that the perpetrator acted alone and is solely responsible for his actions. From all appearances Charleston is coming out stronger. . . but at what cost! The entire nation grieves with all of you!!

Pixel Peeper said...

{{{Hugs}}} Joan. Your photos are beautiful.

Charlestonjoan said...

It is difficult to think of anything else right now. We are all stunned.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks Catalyst.

Charlestonjoan said...

They plan tomorrow to line the entire Cooper River Bridge with thousands of people holding hands across the river. It doesn't change anything but it feels like something and brings people closer together in our sorrow. Thanks William.

Charlestonjoan said...

It is so bewildering. Especially after he sat with them and listened to good people who welcomed him. I can't make any sense of it. Thanks Kate.

Charlestonjoan said...

Thanks Pixel. Lots of hugs in this city this week.

Should Fish More said...

This is from the NY Times, it indicates that this man was following a long history of such instances in Charleston:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/18/magazine/before-charlestons-church-shooting-a-long-history-of-attacks.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=c-column-middle-span-region&region=c-column-middle-span-region&WT.nav=c-column-middle-span-region&_r=0

Jo H. said...

Good article, SFM. This might be easier to access.. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/18/magazine/before-charlestons-church-shooting-a-long-history-of-attacks.html?_r=0
I hope this is clickable... If not, cut and paste!