Today marks the 10th anniversary of the devastating Mother Emanuel shooting that took the lives of several beloved leaders and influential members of the Charleston community. When the shooting occurred at Mother Emanuel AME Church on June 17, 2015, it didn’t just shake the church — it left the entire Charleston community heartbroken and stunned. How could such a peaceful gathering, a Bible study integrated in faith and love, become the central target of so much hate? That night, nine faithful lives were taken, including five remarkable women who were loved greatly by their families, their church and their community. A decade later, the city of Charleston continues to feel the space they held and the weight of that loss.
The women whose lives were taken played an important role as teachers, librarians, mothers and friends in the community. It takes a special type of person to impact others through ministry, mentoring students and helping those around them. It is safe to say all five of these women had the special ability to make others feel safe and cared for, not always in the forefront but often behind the scenes.
Five Lives of Service
Cynthia Hurd, the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance and Myra Thompson each lived lives serving others, and their impact has carried on far past that night in 2015.
Cynthia Hurd
Cynthia Hurd is recognized for her three decades spent in the Charleston County Public Library, helping others gain access to books and knowledge, and assisting her community. She stood for literacy and education, which is remembered today by a library branch bearing her name.
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton was a high school speech therapist, track coach, minister and mother of three incredible children. Her son Chris, who was just a teenager when she was killed, has carried on her legacy and has become a national speaker, spreading the message of forgiveness and resilience.
Susie Jackson
Susie Jackson was a lifelong churchgoer and choir member. Known for her open arms and wisdom, she was a grounding force in her family and community.
Ethel Lance
Ethel Lance had worked at Mother Emanuel for many years, and she took pride in caring for the church and its members. She has been remembered as the glue that held everyone together.
Myra Thompson
Myra Thompson, who was leading the Bible study the night of the shooting, was a minister known for her devotion, especially to her ministry. Her faith and compassion for others is incredibly inspiring, and her legacy is carried on to this day.
These women were not just victims of affliction — they were builders of community and sources of strength. Charleston remembers them not only for how they died, but for how they lived purposeful lives and shared their faith and grace with everyone they encountered.
In the years since, the community has worked to honor them in a thoughtful way they would have wished for. There are scholarships in their names and programs that promote justice and unity. The tragedy at Mother Emanuel has opened many eyes to the work that still needs to be done, but it also reminds us of the power of faith and community, especially when led by strong women. It’s important to see how the 10th anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shooting is being honored. South Carolina ETV and Public Radio’s “Never Forgotten: The Emanuel Nine” is sharing stories, interviews and community events as a way to educate the new generation. There will also be a 10-day commemoration which is hosted by the Emanuel Nine Commemoration Committee. It is a program planned to show that the lives that were lost still play an active role in the community, and remembering is a way to live out the victims’ legacy. Events like these play an important role for the families and the nation to process the traumatic event and also celebrate the victims’ lives.
Ten years later, the heartache of that night at Mother Emanuel still sits close to our hearts, but so does the inspiration of the lives that were lost, especially the five remarkable women who continue to shape Charleston. They remind us that true impact is found in the often-unrecognized consistency of showing up for others. For many women, these five represent what it looks like to serve others with strength. And while the grief for these individuals hasn’t disappeared, the legacy they left continues to inspire many and keep us more connected and compassionate.
By Madeline Reynolds