What a week. So much violence, sadness, and turmoil. Escaped murderers and cop killers. Rape and murder of a 16 year-old innocent. And the unthinkable tragedy of the brutal, senseless killing of nine souls praying in a house of worship. The world has a gaping wound and oozing out is hurt and pain.
Whenever there is a tragedy, the media highlights the name and handiwork of the evil doer a million times. The victims are often the secondary story. There are even times that stories are slanted to suggest victims of violent, unspeakable crimes are not innocent and blameless. Let’s not demonize victims. It disrespects their memory, diminishes the agony families are facing, and presents an excuse or defense for the perpetrator of the crime.
I cannot fathom what goes through a person’s mind when they are planning murder. Where is the sense of conscience? Where is the respect for life? Where is the deference to that which is holy and sacred? And how is it that once again we are at a point in history where the issues of race are sparking such venom and hatred to lead one to murder nine people in cold blood? Where does that come from? How does an innocent child brought into this world grow up to hate a group of people so much because of the color of their skin that he wants to annihilate them? There is an indoctrination which most certainly began in the home. These thoughts, feelings, and actions were encouraged. And sadly since symbols of hate fly on flag posts outside state government buildings, then there is an unspoken acceptance of these ideals.
We have to do better. We’re destroying each other- in the name of race, gender, or political affiliation. This cannot go on. Now, more than ever, we need to come together. In honor of the nine brave people that lost their lives on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 as they sat in their church for bible study, we have to root out this hate. And let’s not forget their names and the good they did while here on Earth doing God’s work.
The Emanuel 9
- The Honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41 years old
- Ms. Cynthia Hurd, 54 years old
- Ms. Susie Jackson, 87 years old
- Ms. Ethel Lance, 70 years old
- Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, 49 years old
- Mr. Tywanza Sanders, 26 years old
- Rev. Daniel Simmons, Sr., 74 years old
- Rev. Sharonda Singleton, 45 years old
- Ms. Myra Thompson, 59 years old
We cannot go on like this. Be kind to one another. Love. Love one another. Love. Love one another whether black or white, male or female. Just love.
God bless the souls of the Emanuel 9, Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC.
Be safe,
L.J. Follow me on Twitter: @CrimeDoc1213
#Emanuel9 #IAmAME #Charleston #humanity #peace #love #blessings #prayer #black #white #justice #fairness #crime #violence #BlackLivesMatter #respect
Image Source: celebrationoffamily.com