Obama's amazing grace: President gives searing speech on race and leads church in song during emotional eulogy for pastor killed by race-hate gunman
- Memorial service for state Senator Clementa Pinckney, 41, took place at College of Charleston's TD Arena
- More than 5,000 mourners come out to pay their respects, among them Vice President Joe Biden, First Lady Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Senator Lindsey Graham
- House Speaker John Boehner arrived to the memorial about Air Force One with the president and Mrs Obama
- Pinckney, married father of two and pastor at Emanuel AME Church, was killed last week along with eight other African-Americans in racially motivated attack
- Obama delivered a passionate 30-plus minute eulogy that talked about racism and gun violence
- Concluded remarks by delivering a rendition of the hymn Amazing Grace
President Barack Obama delivered a searing message on race relations in a wide-ranging, emotional eulogy for Rev Clementa Pinckeny that touched upon gun violence, voter suppression and the fate of the Confederate flag.
Speaking before an audience of more than 5,000 mourners gathered at the College of Charleston's TD Arena for just under 40 minutes, Obama stunned the crowd by breaking into song as he performed the hymn 'Amazing Grace' at the conclusion of his remarks as his wife Michelle, Hillary Clinton and the victim's widow and two young daughters looked on.
The passionate speech touched on a series of race-related issues and will be seen by many as an outline of the president's agenda for his remaining two years in office.
Obama opened his speech by telling those in the audience that the pain over the killings of a church pastor and his eight black parishioners cuts much deeper because they were slain at a church - a place he described as the center of African-American life.
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President Obama delivered a passionate eulogy for Rev Clementa Pinckney that touched upon race relations and the fate of the Confederate flag
Emotional: Obama wipes a tear while speaking of the beloved lawmaker, pastor and married father of two
Approaching the end of his 30-plus minute eulogy, President Obama suddenly began singing 'Amazing Grace'
Special moment: Obama greeted Jennifer Pinckney, the pastor's widow, and his daughters
President's embrace: Obama went down to hug little Malana and her 11-year-old sister, Eliana
Six-year-old Malana reaches up to the president while standing next to her sister, mother and the first lady
The president had a tender moment with Jennifer Pinckney, the late reverend's wife and mother of his two daughters
Michelle Obama gave Mrs Pinckney a kiss on the cheek as her daughter Eliana stood nearby
Referring the church as a 'sanctuary, the president said it’s a 'place to call our own in an often hostile world.'
The president said that while he did not know the Rev Pinckney well, he had the pleasure of meeting him in South Carolina during the 2008 presidential campaign, when he was an early supporter of Obama, and was struck at the time by the pastor's graciousness.
'What a life Clementa Pinckney lived, what an example he set, what a model for his faith,' Obama said. Calling the slain pastor a 'good man,' Obama said Pinckney 'embodied the idea that our Christian faith demands deeds, and not just words.'
'He never gave up. He stayed true to his convictions. He would not grow discouraged,' Obama said.
About halfway through his remarks, the president turned to the hot-button issue of the Confederate flag and said for many it was a reminder of '‘systemic oppression and racial subjugation.'
‘For too long we were blind to the pain the Confederate flag has stirred in many of our citizens,’ the president told the audience.
'Removing the flag from this state’s capitol would not be an act of political correctness,' Obama said, 'it would not be an insult to the valor of Confederate soldiers. It would simply be an acknowledgement for the cause for which they fought, for slavery, is wrong.’
He later added, ‘By taking down that flag we express God's grace,’ drawing loud cheers and applause.
Obama used the somber occasion to call on Americans to confront the ‘uncomfortable truths’ of the racial prejudices that still infect American society and argued that it would be a betrayal of everything the pastor stood for ‘if we allowed ourselves to slip into a comfortable silence again once the eulogies have been delivered, once the TV cameras move on.’
He pleaded with Americans not ‘to go back to business as usual.’
President Obama delivers a eulogy honoring Rev Clementa Pinckney, whom he praised as a good man and a 'progeny of a long line of the faithful'
Guests of honor: A somber President Barack Obama applauds before he delivers the eulogy during the funeral of slain South Carolina State Sen and Rev.Clementa Pinckney
The Obamas, standing in the first row surrounded by Secret Service agents, were joined by Vice President Joe Biden
Kiss for good luck: The president and first lady exchanged a kiss on the lips before Obama took the stage Friday
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her former boss, the president, exchanged a warm embrace during the memorial service
Mrs Clinton, who is running to replace Obama, was warmly greeted by South Carolina Gov Nikki Haley, a Republican (right)
But the president’s address was not all about politics.
Invoking scripture and song, Obama spoke movingly of all that Pinckney had done in his life in as a clergyman and a representative of the Lowcountry region - a place he described as ‘one of the most neglected in America, a place still wracked by poverty and inadequate schools, a place where children can still go hungry and the sick can still go without treatment.’
At one point, he grew emotional and was seen wiping his eyes.
Approaching the end of his 30-plus minute eulogy, President Obama suddenly began singing 'Amazing Grace,' which the Mother Emanuel choir and the crowd quickly picked up.
‘For too long we were blind to the pain the Confederate flag has stirred in many of our citizens,’ the president told the audience halfway through his address.
Afterward, White House officials said, the president was expected to meet with the families of the victims.
A South Carolina Highway Patrol honor guard stands next to the casket of Sen. Clementa Pinckney before his funeral service Friday
The president is seen in the front row of the TD Arena facing the stage crowded with clergymen during the funeral service
Unbearable loss: Jennifer Pinckney (R), with her daughters Eliana (L) and Malana attend their beloved husband and father's funeral
Dignitaries in attendance: South Carolina Nikki Haley (left) and the Revs Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton were on hand for the memorial service of the well-regarded pastor and state lawmaker
US House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) arrives for funeral services for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney in Charleston
'YOU WERE OUR HERO AND NOW YOUR ARE OUR ANGEL': JENNIFER PINCKNEY'S LETTER TO HER SLAIN HUSBAND STATE SENATOR CLEMENTA PINCKNEY
Jennifer Pinckney
When we woke up on Wednesday, June 17th, I never knew our lives would change so drastically.
God realized that this day was different from any other.
There is no reason Malana and I should have traveled to Charleston with you on that day.
But we wanted to spend quality time with you, in such a special way.
Who knew when we say in the office, the unthinkable would occur?
But as I sit back and reflect, I am so grateful to God that he gave us the time to spend on that day.
You meant so much to me and the girls. You were our world.
I do not know how to think about moving forward, but I know I must.
I have tried to be strong for the girls, but this is so hard for all of us!
You promised me you would never leave me!
You promised me we would watch our children grow, get married, and have children of their own.
You promised me that we would grow old together, and spend our latter years without the demands of the Church or the State.
I feel robbed, cheated, and cut shot.
I feel badly that our girls will never have the father to watch them grow.
But I am thankful for one consolation that your life was not in vain.
You taught us through your example that we must trust God in all things.
Today, tomorrow, and in the days to come, we will believe that God will make a way for us!
We believe that God used you to be a beacon of hope to tranform our family, the Church, the State, and our world. We believe that your life mattered. It mattered to us, and it will forever change the culture and mindset of the world.
You were our hero and now you are our Angel. Watch over us in the coming days.
Guide and direct us to follow the proper ways. Inspire us through a rainbow to believe that hope is still alive.
Encourage us through a songbird that our love will never die.
I will not let go of what we shared. The memories of our life together will comfort through the years.
Love, Your wife, soul mate, confidant, and friend
Jen--
Source: WYFF
'TO MY DADDY': ELIANA PINCKNEY, 11, WRITES POEM PAYING TRIBUTE TO HER FATHER
Eliana Pinckney, 11
To My Daddy:
When someone love you they care
Even if they are not there
They motivate you to prosper and believe
In any of your dreams
They watch over you day and night
To make you are doing alright
They believe in you and treat you well
And I may not show it but he wont care
This person I am talking about here today
Is my dear father who passed away
And although he may be gone
He's there with me all day and night long
I will always remember and love you.
Eliana--
'I KNOW YOU WERE SHOT AT THE CHURCH': HEARTBREAKING EULOGY OF 6-YEAR-OLD MALANA PINCKNEY
Malana Pinckney, 6
Dear Daddy:
I know you were shot at the Church and you went to Heaven!
I love you so much!
I know you love me and I know that you know that I love you too.
You have done so much for me.
I can't say it all. You will be watching over me and you will be in my heart. I love you!
Love your baby girl and grasshopper,
Malana
Shortly before 9am, a hearse carrying the body of the well-respected state senator and long-time pastor left a nearby funeral home, accompanied by police cars with lights flashing, and headed to the College of Charleston's 5,400-seat TD Arena, where the memorial got under way shortly before noon after an hour-long performance by a choir that led the crowd in a medley of spiritual songs.
Hundreds of people, led by the Emanuel church’s interim leader, the Rev. Norvel Goff, followed on foot.
Police shut down several streets around the stadium, which is near Emanuel AME church. Metal detectors, bag searches and the visible presence of Secret Service agents throughout the College of Charleston arena added to the heightened sensibilities of the guests.
'I'm here to hear Obama speak hopefully on racism, forgiveness and justice,' said Wannetta Mallette, of North Charleston. She said she was already impressed by Obama’s comments after the killing of an unarmed black man by a white police officer in her city.
'I think everyone is here to share in the grief and sorrow,’ she said.
Among the first speakers at the funeral was South Carolina state Senator Gerald Malloy, Pinckey’s Senate suitemate and his personal lawyer, promised to take care of his two daughters and keep pressing on issues Pinckney cared about, such as equitable health care and social justice.
But he also urged the crowd to keep working for the racial and political unity Charleston has experienced since the shootings.
'Senator Pinckney' last act as a Christian and as a senator was to open his doors to someone he did not know,' Malloy told the packed-to-capacity arena, invoking the suspected shooter. 'Let us not close the doors that Sen. Pinckney gave his life for us to open.'
Members of the choir walk from the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church (rear) to the funeral for the Reverend Pinckney in Charleston, South Carolina
Clergy members wait to enter the funeral service at the College of Charleston sports arena near the Emanuel AME Church, the scene of last week's shooting
Thousands of mourners converged on the venue hosting the memorial service for state Senator Pinckney
Angela Turhan, of Columbia, waits on line to pay her respects to the beloved pastor who was shot dead last week
A woman wears an 'Emanuel 9' ribbon to the funeral, commemorating the nine victims of the church massacre
Reverand Clementa Pinckney's widow Jennifer (second left) and daughters Eliana (center) and Malana (right) are escorted into funeral services for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney Friday morning
Echoing sentiments expressed by politicians and protesters across the country, Malloy also used to solemn occasion to call for the Confederate battle flag, viewed by its critics as a symbol of slavery and racism, to be taken down at the Statehouse.
'All the change you wanted to see and all the change you wanted to do — because of you, we will see the Confederate flag come down in South Carolina,’ Malloy said.
The Right Rev John Richard Bryant spoke next, declaring that accused shooter Dylann Roof has failed in his attempt to ignite hatred between blacks and whites.
'Someone should've told the young man he wanted to start a race war, but he came to the wrong place,' said the senior bishop, drawing enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Admirers and acquaintances of Mr. Pinckney waited for hours to ensure a place inside the arena. Jacob Reid, of Summerville, was in line with his two teenage daughters. He said the family woke up at 4am to get ready and make the drive.
‘The Rev. Pinckney really inspired them,’ he said, referring to his daughters. ‘He was a gentleman, easy to talk with. Very humble.’
Pinckney, 41 was among nine African-Americans gunned down at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church during a Bible study last week by the 21-year-old Roof, a suspected white supremacist.
Wanda Johnson, of Anderson, South Carolina, said it was ‘monumental’ that Obama was coming to support the community and the state and also said she was proud of the way people in her state have remained peaceful and united after unrest in other cities that followed the killings of unarmed black parishioners.
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A banner hangs at the funeral venue, declaring 'Wrong Church! Wrong People! Wrong Day!' referring to the mass shooting
Bishop John Bryant leads funeral services for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney at a filled-to-capacity TD Arena
Loved ones wept openly and hugged one another, seeking strength to go through the heartbreaking day
Mourners young and old prayed for their murdered brother and shed tears while listening to speakers at the funeral
An image of Sen. Pinckney decorates the cover of a program distributed to mourners before his funeral service,
Friends and family embraced one another in front of Senator Pinckney's coffin topped with a spray of red roses
Intimate moment: Mourners pray before the funeral service for Sen. Clementa Pinckney, Friday, June 26, 2015, in Charleston
People attending Senator Pinckney's funeral sing along with the choir performing hymns, including Amazing Grace and The Lord is My Light
‘I think it speaks a whole lot for the people of South Carolina,’ she said.
Lutheran bishop Mike Rhyne drove down with his wife and three children from central Pennsylvania to pay tribute to his friend and fellow seminary student. 'He was one of the best men I have ever met,' he said.
Pinckney's high school friends Kevin Riley, 41, and Lachandra Colbert, 42, traveled from Maryland for the funeral. 'We wouldn't miss this. He was our classmate,' said Riley. 'He was on track to be someone really important,' Riley added.
Mourners universally echoed the words of forgiveness by relatives of their slain churchgoers for the white man, Dylann Roof, accused of the murders.
'We are not the ones to judge, we leave that to God,' said Maxine Frasier Riley, 65, a retired school guidance counselor.
A long list of dignitaries came out for the memorial, among them Vice President Joe Biden, his wife Jill will and First Lady Michelle Obama. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham were also in attendance.
Air Force One carrying the president, first lady and House Speaker John Boehner touched down at Charleston Air Force Base at 1:04pm. White House spokesman Eric Schultz confirmed that it was Boehner's first flight aboard that aircraft during Obama's presidency.
The president and first lady emerge from Marine One, preparing to board Air Force One on their way to South Carolina
The Obamas are heading to Charleston, South Carolina, to attend services for Reverend and South Carolina State Senator Clementa Pinckney
President and first lady step off Air Force One upon arrival at Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina
Special token: Obama is seen holding a presidential challenge coin in his raised left hand. The coin is a medallion that the president can pass on to someone during a handshake
Pictured from left to right, from the base of the stairs, are House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH), Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC), Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Representative Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Representative John Lewis (D-GA), Representative David Price (D-NC) and Representative Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Ahead of Friday's funeral, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest told reporters that in his eulogy Obama will focus 'on celebrating the life of Rev. Pinckney and the eight others who were killed.'
The president and Mr Biden both acknowledged in statements last Thursday that they were friends of the reverend, who was the youngest African American to be elected to his state legislature at age 23. He had only graduated from Allen University a year earlier - in 1995.
The president said the morning after the tragedy: 'Michelle and I know several members of Emanuel AME Church. We knew their pastor, Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who, along with eight others, gathered in prayer and fellowship and was murdered last night.
'And to say our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families and their community doesn’t say enough to convey the heartache and the sadness and the anger that we feel.'
During his presidency, Obama has spoken at half a dozen memorial services for victims of mass shootings in Texas, Arizona, Colorado and Connecticut.
'I've had to make statements like this too many times,' a visibly shaken Obama said from the White House last week. 'Communities like this have had to endure tragedies like this too many times.'
On Wednesday, Pinckney lay in state inside the rotunda of the State Capitol in Columbia
Bereaved: Sen. Clementa Pinckney's wife Jennifer Pinckney, center, and her daughters, Eliana, left, and Malana, right, follow his casket into the South Carolina Statehouse, Wednesday
Much loved: Pinckney is seen speaking from the pulpit during the Watch Night service at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston in 2012
A native of Beaufort, Pinckney began preaching at age 13 and was appointed pastor at 18. When he was 23 he was the youngest African American to be elected to his state legislature
The Vice President recalled that he saw Pinckney less than a year ago during a visit to Charleston.
'He was a good man, a man of faith, a man of service who carried forward Mother Emanuel's legacy as a sacred place promoting freedom, equality, and justice for all,' he said in a statement.
He earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of South Carolina in 1999 and studied at the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.
A native of Beaufort, Pinckney began preaching at age 13 and was first appointed pastor at 18. He was elected to the state Senate in 2000.
A decade later he was named pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church, according to the state Democratic Party.
'He had a core not many of us have,' said Sen. Vincent Sheheen, who sat beside him in Senate chambers. 'I think of the irony that the most gentle of the 46 of us - the best of the 46 of us in this chamber - is the one who lost his life.'
A member of the family says goodbye before the closing of the casket holding Emanuel AME Church shooting victim Ethel Lance during her funeral at the Royal Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, South Carolina, June 25
Lance's son (right) and another relative give the Black Power salute at her grave site during the burial ceremony Thursday
An image of Sharonda Singleton, one of the nine people killed in the shooting at Emanuel AME Church, decorates a banner during her wake Thursday
On Wednesday, thousands of people got a chance to pay their respects to Senator Pinckney as his body lay in state in the lobby of the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia.
The first two victims’ funerals, for Ethel Lance, 70, and Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 43, were held Thursday, with tight security and emotional responses to the eulogies and hymns.
Attendees included South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley; Charleston Mayor Joe Riley; US Rep. Mark Sanford; the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton.
Mr. Sharpton noted that on the day of the shootings, he was in Washington watching Loretta Lynch being sworn in as the nation’s first black female attorney general.
‘That morning, I saw how far we have come,’ Mr. Sharpton said. ‘That night,’ after the shooting, ‘I saw how far yet we have to go.’
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