Charleston, SC (WCBD)- Since the Charleston church shooting at Mother Emanuel AME, four years ago, open conversations on race and ways in which our community can move forward have sparked.
The third annual Charleston Forum was held at the Charleston Music Hall over the weekend honoring the victims and talking about ways for the community to move forward together.
Reverend Eric Manning, who became the pastor of Mother Emanuel AME Church in 2016, reflects on the tragedy. He says, “It begins by remembering the lives that were taken and making sure that atrocity does not fade away, but we continue to allow for it to change our lives.”
Members of the community honoring the victims by discussing the issue of race.
“You will not have social progress without economic equality and justice for all,” Rep. Wendell Gilliard, (D) 111th District said.
This gathering at the Charleston Music Hall of local political, business, educational, and religious leaders is the third annual Charleston Forum.
“Having these discussions and bringing these issues into the light and out of the darkness is the first step,” Joe Cunningham, U.S. Representative (D) SC 1st District said.
Leaders speaking on specific ways that they believe we can all move forward together— achieving racial equality.
“We’ve got to have good practical solutions to address the problems that we have,” Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, Charleston and Berkeley County said.
Solicitor Scarlett Wilson spoke at the forum about bond reform.
“Too many people are held in jail, pretrial, because they are poor, not because they are dangerous,” Solicitor Wilson said.
Charleston Police Chief Luther Reynolds calling for a culture of ethical and fair policing.
“We stand side by side with every person in our communities, in all cultures, in all communities of faith, all race, LGBTQ, and are untied against any for of hate,“ Chief Reynolds said.
Each community member reflecting on hateful acts of racism that our city has faced and talking about making our community a safer place for everyone.
For more information on memorial events happening tomorrow and through-out the week, click here.