“He’s with me every day” — busts at Allen University honor the Emanuel 9
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — It’s been nearly 10 years since the racially motivated mass shooting at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. church in Charleston.
Here in Columbia, Allen University has unveiled a new tribute to the nine lives lost on that tragic 17th day of June in 2015.
The last names of the Emanuel 9 are now showcased at the entrance to the university’s Boeing Center.
Just inside is a bust for each victim, whose lives were stolen by Dylann Roof, a 21-year-old white supremacist, who sat in on the group’s Bible study before opening fire.
Three of the Emanuel 9 were Allen University graduates — including Reverend Daniel Simmons.
ABC Columbia’s Lee Williams spoke with his daughter, Rose.
“Here we are 10 years later after the deaths of nine beautiful souls — and my heart is overflowing with thanksgiving for their lives,” she says, recalling she first learned of the university’s plans for the memorial around five years ago.
“It’s more than I can express. It really tells of the love and compassion and humanity of the people here in SC and abroad of how much they love, admire and honor these that have fallen,” says Rose.
The youngest victim, 26-year-old Tywanza Sanders, graduated from Allen University with a degree in Business Administration.
In the center, a bust of Senator Clementa Pinckney — the church’s senior pastor, and civil rights activist, also a graduate of Allen.
Myra Thompson, Susie Jackson, Reverend Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Ethel Lance, Cynthia Graham-Hurd, and Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton were the other six people killed by Roof.
Rose, like other loved ones, say their family members are with them always.
“I see my father’s face everyday. Everyday I wake up, I see his strength, I see his courage, I see his ability to handle situations. So to have him here immortalized is beautiful but he’s with me everyday,” she says.
Roof has been sentenced to the death penalty for his actions that day –becoming the first person in the US sentenced to death for a federal hate crime.
A new documentary called “One Last Breathe” premiering on June 5th at the Nickelodeon Theater on Main Street will showcase the life of Reverend Simmons.
Helping Rose, she says, with the healing process.
“I’m just so grateful to just be a part of this entire universe of the Emanuel 9. I think it is an honor for my father to be selected in this comradery with his fellow mates and I’m so grateful to be his daughter here and to represent him,” Rose says.
