News Summary
Charleston will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church, which left nine dead. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Kevin Sack releases a book reflecting on the tragedy and its impact. A book signing event will foster community dialogue on forgiveness and resilience. Recent community safety concerns arise from a shooting at Aqua Lounge, echoing the ongoing challenges faced by local residents and the legacy of the church shooting.
Charleston, South Carolina — On June 17, 2025, Charleston will mark the 10th anniversary of the tragic mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church, a solemn event that left nine individuals dead and shaken the local and national community. The shooter, Dylann Roof, entered the church during a Bible study and opened fire, claiming the lives of many, including the church’s pastor, Rev. Clementa Pinckney. In recognition of this somber milestone, Kevin Sack, a three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author, has released a book titled “Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in One Charleston Church.” This book delves deeply into the implications of the shooting for the victims, their families, and Sack himself.
Kevin Sack, who reported for the New York Times at the time of the shooting, expressed a profound sense of inspiration from the remarkable forgiveness exhibited by the victims’ families during Roof’s bond hearing shortly after the tragedy. Having made Charleston his home, Sack provides a personal connection to the story as he reflects on the community’s resilience following the event. The release of his book serves as both a tribute and an examination of the ongoing effects of the shooting.
A book signing event featuring Sack is scheduled for June 25, 2025, at Senior Citizens Inc.’s Learning Center in Savannah, Georgia. This event aims to foster community dialogue and reflection on the themes of forgiveness and resilience in the wake of tragedy. Roger Smith, the Learning Center’s director, highlighted the importance of presenting meaningful narratives to the local community. The event came to fruition after a group from Senior Citizens Inc. visited Mother Emanuel AME Church and met with Sack the previous year.
Current Community Concerns
Compounding the remembrance of the Emanuel AME Church shooting, North Charleston has been facing recent upheaval due to a shooting incident at Aqua Lounge on June 10, 2025, where two individuals were injured. The owner of Aqua Lounge, Lorezno Johnson, was charged with obstruction of justice shortly after the incident, as he allegedly failed to cooperate regarding inquiries about surveillance footage. Johnson has been released on a personal recognizance bond.
Local residents in the Singing Pines neighborhood have expressed concerns about the safety and disturbances attributed to the nightclub. Although Aqua Lounge is zoned for B-2 General Business District use, there are existing city ordinances that govern the establishment’s proximity to residential areas. Community advocates are frustrated, vowing to continue their efforts to address these issues and enhance neighborhood safety.
Personal Impact and Ongoing Healing
Eliana Pinckney, the daughter of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, shared how her father’s tragic death continues to influence her life and that of her family. Her younger sister, Malana, was only six years old when their father was taken from them, and both daughters find themselves reaching important milestones as they navigate life without their father. Survivors of the shooting, including Felicia Sanders, have also come forward to discuss their experiences and the lingering pain of losing loved ones during that horror.
Despite the grief, many family members of the victims displayed extraordinary acts of forgiveness during the bond hearing for Dylann Roof, demonstrating the complex feelings of healing and resilience within the community. To honor the lives lost, a memorial dedicated to the victims is currently under construction next to Mother Emanuel AME Church, with plans for the opening set for early 2026. This memorial aims to provide a place of remembrance, reflection, and hope for future generations.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Club Owner Charged Following North Charleston Shooting
- Count on 2: 10 Years Later Timeline Retells How the Charleston Church Shooting Unfolded
- CBS News: Daughter of Mother Emanuel AME Church Victim Reflects on Resilience a Decade Later
- Today.com: Charleston Church Shooting 10 Years Later
- WBTV: Charleston Reverend Reflects on Mother Emanuel AME Shooting 10 Years Later
- Wikipedia: Charleston Church Shooting
- Google Search: Charleston Church Shooting
- Google Scholar: Charleston Church Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston Church Shooting
- Google News: Charleston Church Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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