COLUMBIA
On Saturday, May 31, Allen University held a powerful and moving ceremony to unveil busts of the Emanuel 9, honoring the nine lives tragically lost in the 2015 shooting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. The event, held at the Boeing Institute on Civility, was attended by family members, clergy, faculty, staff, and community members, all coming together to pay tribute to the victims’ enduring legacy of faith, courage, and justice.
The unveiling of the busts marks a significant milestone in commemorating the Emanuel 9, whose tragic deaths sparked a nationwide conversation about racial justice, gun violence, and civil rights. The busts, now permanently displayed at Allen University,
of the victims—Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Tawanda Sanders, Daniel Simmons, Myra Thompson, Rev. Clementa Pinckney, and Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton—and their unwavering commitment to service, community, and love.
In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Norvell Goff emphasized the importance of remembering the Emanuel 9 not just in their final moments, but in the way they lived—through acts of kindness, faith, and dedication to making their communities better places.
The Boeing Institute on Civility, dedicated to fostering respectful and meaningful dialogue on critical social issues, served as an ideal setting for the ceremony. As attendees gathered in the presence of
Photo by Mauricio Richardson) e busts, they were reminded of the profound impact the Emanuel 9 continue to have in shaping conversations around civility, community, and change.
This unveiling is part of Allen University’s ongoing commitment to honor the legacy of the Emanuel 9 and to keep their story alive for future generations. It serves as a reminder that the work of justice, peace, and unity is far from over. As long as these busts stand in the Boeing Institute, their legacy will continue to inspire students, faculty, and the broader community to strive for a better, more just world.
Ti Barnes is the manager of the Boeing Institute On Civility. For more information, he can be reached at (803) 605-7524.
