Say Their Names

Say their names.
Clementa Pinckney, 41.
Pastor of the church.
Shot dead.
He was a state senator, a leader in the community.
Nine people were shot and killed in his church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45.
Reverend, coach, mother.
Shot dead.
She was the mother of three children attending a prayer meeting.
Nine people were shot and killed in her church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
Cynthia Hurd, 54.
Librarian, community servant, volunteer.
Shot dead.
She was the person who encouraged her community to try harder, achieve more, be better.
Nine people were shot and killed in her church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
TyWanza Sanders, 26.
Student, friend, giver
Shot dead.
He tried to save the life of a family member in the church by jumping in front of the gun.
Nine people were shot and killed in his church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
Myra Thompson, 59.
Mother, wife, friend.
Shot dead.
She served her community and stood for them in the presence of God in prayer.
Nine people were shot and killed in her church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
Depayne Middleton-Doctor, 49
Reverend, choir member, mother of four.
Shot dead.
She preached to the community and the congregation.
Nine people were shot and killed in her church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
Ethel Lee Lance, 70.
Sexton, grandmother.
Shot dead.
She was the heart of her family.
Nine people were shot and killed in her church.
Say their names.

Say their names.
Suzie Jackson, 87.
Grandmother, aunt, survivor.
Born under Jim Crow, endured the Civil Rights struggle.
She was gentle, kind, and mother to all.
Nine people were shot and killed in her church.
Say their names.

(Originally written and posted June 17, 2015)