This past week-and-a-half, a nine-day commemoration was held in Charleston to honor the Mother Emanuel 9, their families, survivors, and church members who were affected in last year’s tragedy. “Victory in the Valley” featured programs that allowed the community to discuss unity in all races, while remembering what happened in this historic church that forever changed this community.
Palmetto Scene was in Charleston last week and talked with several people about what the one-year anniversary means to them. Zoe Roff, with the Fine Arts Department at the Charleston County School District, and her son were delivering messages and flowers to the church when we spoke to them. They are part of the SMAART program, which is a summer program for artistically gifted and talented students, which was in session last year when the shootings occurred.
Caleb Smith, also part of the SMAART program, with help from his peers, wrote and recorded the song, “Nine,” in honor of the victims.