NBJC Remembers the Lives Lost at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston: “…love will always win over hate.”

Washington, DC – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) released the following statement today in remembrance of the nine lives lost at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on the evening of June 17, 2015:

“Since learning of the horrific attack of hate at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina last week, our hearts at NBJC have been broken. Our nation once again finds itself in the aftermath of a senseless shooting rampage where nine innocent lives have been taken from us. However, this particular tragedy has touched us, significantly, as Black Americans with the racist, disreputable ideology underpinning the murderer’s heart that for centuries has been a plaguing force of hopelessness in our communities.

As the homegoing services continue today for the nine parishioners killed last week, NBJC would like to express our deepest sympathies and send our prayers to their families and friends, and to the people of Charleston. All nine victims—Rev. and State Senator Clementa Pinckney, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lance, Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Susie Jackson and DePayne Doctor—were beacons of light in their communities and will forever be remembered by the world as symbols of peace.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, we must follow the lead of the victims’ families that spoke with such strength, eloquence and compassion, last week, when they confronted the suspected shooter in a courtroom. They reminded the world that love will always win over hate, and no weapon or act of hate can defeat the unity of people of goodwill in the pursuit of justice. The love they expressed is the only way to move forward.”