COLUMBIA, S.C. — People of all races came together at Allen University Tuesday to remember the Mother Emmanuel Nine who were killed in June of 2015.
The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission marked June 4 as Mother Emanuel Nine Day Remembrance.
Alana Grant's grandfather, the Rev. Daniel Simmons, was one of the nine who lost their loves at the Charleston Emanuel AME Church. He's also one of the three Allen alumni who were killed: the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the Rev. Daniel Simmons and Tywanza Sanders.
“It's important for us to always remember the lives,” said Grant. “The legacy of my grandfather is one of love, but as well as the victims and survivors and anyone who really who has been affected by hate crimes or discrimination."
Bishop Samuel L. Green, the presiding prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, said that hate won’t win.
"People of all races have gathered together to remember a tragedy that happened that was supposed to spark a riot, wars between races in America. but yet sparked love, redemption, and forgiveness," said Green.
At the commemoration for Mother Emanuel Nine Day Remembrance, the first ever Emanuel Lives award was given. The award honors someone who is actively fighting for equality in our communities. Grant says she’s honored to be the first recipient of the award.
"The work that I do with the Hate Won't Win movement, is definitely taxing to say the least because you're constantly reminded of a very dark time in your life, but to be inspired by the community it really helps strengthen me to do this kind of work."