A tribute to the victims of the June 2015 Mother Emmanuel Church massacre

In June 2015, the congregation of Emmanuel Church in Charleston was subjected to a horrendous act of terror, perpetrated by a white racist and extremist.

Nine people were brutally murdered in the church.  Many were injured.

Amazingly, the community chose not to riot, but rallied together in forgiveness.

While walking along the street, we passed by the church and met a man who took us behind the church to show us several large panels such as the one pictured above.  They feature more than a million signatures, including our own, in support of this strong community.

 After telling us the story, the man offered me this lovely sweetgrass rose he had woven.  He graciously accepted our donation in thanks.  The rose and a wreath woven in the traditional manner by an African-American woman, make up our most treasured Christmas decoration this year.