We need to show the people of Charleston that we stand with them in their time of mourning.

Source: David Goldman/AP Photo [1]

One moment, people were praying in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, and the next, nine people were shot to death. Our hearts reach out to the friends and families of Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45), Tywanza Sanders (26), Cynthia Hurd (54), Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr. (74), Rev. Depayne Middleton (49), Susie Jackson (87), Ethel Lee Lance (70), Myra Thompson (59) and Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney (41), church pastor as well as South Carolina State Senator. 

According to an eyewitness, the shooter sat with the Black congregants in Bible study for an hour prior to the shooting. His words and actions made it clear: these savage killings were motivated by hate. 

Though our shock and grief is still hard to express, we need to find our voices, reach out to those around us and support the families of the victims. From all parts of the community, we need to show the people of Charleston that we stand with them in this time of mourning. 

Click here [2] to read messages of support for the victims and their families from community members from Oak Creek, WI, who faced deadly tragedy when their Temple was attacked in 2012. The conversation also continues on Facebook [3]. 

Here are some news articles about the events in Charleston:

• Washington Post, "For Charleston’s Emanuel AME Church, shooting is another painful chapter in rich history" [4]
• LA Times, "At Charleston Church, Worshippers Seek Solace after Tragedy" [5]