Crime

Mother Emanuel AME Church Announces Emanuel Nine 4th Anniversary Events

CHARLESTON CHRONICLE — In advance of the four-year anniversary of the Emanuel Nine tragedy, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church announced today plans and events scheduled to observe the fourth commemoration of June 17, 2015.

Published

5 years ago

June 12, 2019

Oakland Post

By The Charleston Chronicle

In advance of the four-year anniversary of the Emanuel Nine tragedy, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church announced today plans and events scheduled to observe the fourth commemoration of June 17, 2015.

Denise Quarles, daughter of Myra Quarles Singleton Thompson and Blondelle Coakley Gadsden, sister of Myra Thompson, along with Polly Sheppard, one of the survivors of the tragedy, led a group of family members and church members to plan the 2019 commemoration events.

“Each year we observe this day to mourn, with the Charleston community and the world, the senseless loss of precious lives from this horrific act of hate and to reflect on how we can contribute as individuals and as a society to ending racism during our lifetime,” said Rev. Eric S.C. Manning, pastor of Mother Emanuel AME.

Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church invites the public to attend and participate in the following events:

June 12, 6:00 p.m. – Bible Study at Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.

Rev. Eric S.C. Manning, pastor of Mother Emanuel and Rev. Anthony B. Thompson, pastor of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston, will lead the session. Rev. Thompson has pastored at Holy Trinity since 2010 and his wife was among the nine individuals murdered in 2015. Following Bible study, the trunks of 15 cherry trees planted for the victims and survivors located at the Gaillard Center will be lit each evening until the conclusion of the Emanuel Nine commemoration.

June 13, 11:00 a.m. – The Susie Jackson/Ethel Lance Senior Citizens Luncheon at Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.

Senior members of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church will have lunch in remembrance of Susie Jackson, 87, and Ethel Lance, 70, two members of the church’s senior group who were murdered in the 2015 tragedy.

June 14, 9:00 a.m. – Youth Empowerment Session entitled “Your Mind Matters” at Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.

Students from sixth to tenth grade will participate in a four-hour workshop designed to build self-esteem and empowerment skills needed to excel in school, the community and the workforce. Barbara H. Whye, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources for Intel Corporation, will lead the workshop.

June 15, 11:00 a.m. – Book Signing and Author Talk by Rev. Sharon Risher, daughter of Ethel Lance, at the Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St.

For Such A Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness After the Charleston Massacre, is a story of transformation of how an anonymous hospital chaplain was thrust into the national spotlight, joining survivors of other gun-related horrors as reluctant speakers for a heartbroken social-justice movement. As she recounts her grief and the struggle to forgive the killer, Risher learns to trust God’s timing and lean on God’s loving presence to guide her steps. Where her faith journey leads her is surprising and inspiring, as she finds a renewed purpose to her life in the company of other survivors.

June 16, 9:30 a.m. – Joint Worship Service at Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.

Rev. Eric S.C. Manning, pastor of Mother Emanuel AME and Rev. Anthony B. Thompson, pastor of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church, will lead a special Father’s Day service during which 15 individuals will receive Outstanding Service Awards in the areas of Emergency and Caring Response.

June 16, 1:00 p.m. – The Charleston Forum Expo, Charleston Bus Shed, 375 Meeting St.

The Expo will provide an opportunity for nonprofits with compatible missions addressing issues of race and social justice to share their stories with the public. Nonprofit organizations will be provided with free space to display information in the hope that each partner is able to find new volunteers, donors and followers to help guide their mission, as well as begin collaborations with similar entities leading to synergies and shared efforts. Local vendors and corporations will also be invited to display their business and share their mission towards social justice.

June 16, 4:00 p.m. – Charleston Forum, Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St., led by Rev. Eric S.C. Manning and Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh

Admission $5.00

The Charleston Forum addresses sensitive issues of everyday life in a welcoming environment. The Forum encourages community members to share their perspectives and to serve as an open and respectful audience for others. This honest exchange among leaders from different backgrounds and among interested citizens is essential for significant progress. The Forum will advance the collective march to solutions in honor of the nine lives taken on June 17, 2015. To register, visit here: https://bit.ly/2IhZzgx.

June 16, 6:30 p.m. – “Morning Grace” Gospel Concert at Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.

June 17, 7:00 p.m.– A Day of Family Remembrance

No scheduled events.

June 17 and June 19 – Emanuel Nine Documentary Public Premiere

Filmed in the homes of victims’ family members and inside Mother Emanuel AME Church, the 75-minute award-winning documentary “Emanuel” was directed by Brian Ivie and Academy Award winner Viola Davis, a native of St. Matthews, and NBA basketball star Steph Curry as executive producers. “Law and Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay serves as a co-producer. Ivie is based in Los Angeles and co-founder of Arbella Studios, a production company dedicated to telling stories of faith and social justice.

Participating locations and screen times:

Terrace Theater: 7:00 p.m., 1956D Maybank Highway on James Island
Regal Palmetto Grande Stadium 16: 7:00 p.m., 319 Theatre Drive in Mount Pleasant
Regal Charles Towne Square 18: 7:00 p.m., 2401 Mall Drive in North Charleston

June 18, 10 a.m. – Press Conference to Reveal Plans for the Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden, Alexander & Calhoun Streets; Followed by the unveiling of “Susie Jackson Way” Signage and Fundraising Campaign Launch, Chapel and Alexander Streets

The family of the late Susie Jackson will hold a 10 a.m. press conference at the corners of Calhoun and Alexander streets to reveal plans for the Susie Jackson Freedom Memorial Garden. Immediately following, the family will unveil the Susie Jackson Way street sign at the corners of Chapel and Alexander Streets and will launch the fundraising campaign for the design and construction of the garden. The site will highlight an area formerly referred to as Cedar Court, a shortcut Jackson took to get to Buist Elementary School and Mother Emanuel AME Church. It will also create a public green space for neighborhood residents and library customers while honoring Jackson’s love for gardening. The park will be paid for by fundraising efforts led by the Jackson family, the Charleston Parks Conservancy, the Mazyck-Wraggborough Neighborhood Association and others.

June 18, 5:00 p.m. – A Book Signing and Author Talk by Rev. Anthony B. Thompson, Husband of Myra Singleton Quarles Thompson, at the Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St.

In Called to Forgive: The Charleston Church Shooting, A Victim’s Husband, and the Path to Healing and Peace, Thompson makes an eloquent and intelligent case for Christian forgiveness, and his account of his pain, anger and recovery as the spouse of one of the murdered brings emotional immediacy to the story. An added strength is Thompson’s discussion of other examples of mass violence and responses to it, including the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, a 2006 Amish school shooting, and the 2018 Parkland, shooting. This riveting and optimistic account of coping with violent tragedy in a humane, honest way is highly worthwhile for any reader.

June 19, 6:30 p.m. – “Prayers for America” Bible Study and Candlelight Service at the Gaillard Center Lawn, 95 Calhoun St.

June 20, 8:30 a.m. – “Calling All Colors” Youth Forum at Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St.; Buist Academy, 103 Calhoun St.; Citadel Square Baptist Church, 328 Meeting St.

Mother Emanuel AME Church and the Charleston arts community present a one-day camp for students to celebrate diversity and pursue racial reconciliation by discussing stereotypes and other race-related issues; The program will include brainstorming ways to promote ethnic openness and experiencing different cultures through art. The camp offers two age groups: 10-14 and 15-18. To register, visit: https://bit.ly/2Xrd1oQ.

June 23, 1:00 p.m. – A Book Signing and Author Talk by Rev. Sharon Risher, Daughter of Ethel Lance, at the Charleston County Public Library, 68 Calhoun St.

For Such A Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness After the Charleston Massacre (repeat event of June 15).

June 1-29 – Food Drive for the Lowcountry Food Bank at the Cynthia Graham Hurd St. Andrews Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Dr.

Please bring non-perishable items for the Lowcountry Food Bank during these dates.

June 1-29 – Reading Partners Book Drive at Charleston County Public Libraries, all locations

This month-long book drive is in honor of librarian Cynthia Graham Hurd, who was heavily involved with the region’s public libraries for more than 30 years and was murdered in the 2015 tragedy. Please bring new or gently used children’s books for students in kindergarten to fifth grade. This event is hosted by the Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation, Reading Partners, CCPL, Live 5 News and Mellow Mushroom.

June 4 to 30 – The Life and Legacy of Cynthia Graham Hurd Exhibit at Charleston County Public Library, Main Library, 68 Calhoun St.

Visitors of this exhibit can view photos of librarian Cynthia Graham Hurd, who was heavily involved with the region’s public libraries for more than 30 years and was murdered in the 2015 tragedy.

June 11, 6:00 p.m. – Grace Will Lead Us Home: Book Signing and Author Talk by Jennifer Berry Hawes, Charleston County Public Library Main Library, 68 Calhoun St.

June 17, 3:30 p.m. – Love and Peace Beads, Charleston County Public Libraries, all locations

Catered to young adults, visitors to this event can create a band of love or peace for themselves or for others. Materials will be provided.

June 17 to June 22 – “A Moment of Silence…to Love” Display at John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St.

Visitors can post notes of gratitude to someone special. Children and teens will receive a free book from the Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation while supplies last.

June 17 to June 22 – Pledge to Read for Kids and Teens, at Charleston County Public Libraries, all locations

Visitors can stop by any library location to sign a reading pledge. Children and teens will receive a free book from the Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation while supplies last.

June 17 to June 29 – Stick Together: Community Art Project at Charleston County Public Libraries, all locations

The public can help assemble a 3,996-piece sticker mosaic. Appropriate for all ages.

June 18, 6:00 p.m. – A Book Signing and Author Talk by Rev. Anthony B. Thompson at Charleston County Public Library, Main Library, 68 Calhoun St.

Called to Forgive: The Charleston Church Shooting, a Victim’s Husband and the Path to Healing and Peace

This article originally appeared in the Charleston Church

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Commentary: Finding the Right Balance — Addressing Organized Retail Theft While Upholding Civil Liberties

Organized retail theft is a significant issue that impacts both consumers and businesses. While it is crucial to address theft and protect businesses from losses, we should also be mindful of safeguarding individuals’ constitutional rights, particularly the right to due process. AB 1990 by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, also known as the STOP Act, raises concerns about the balance between addressing theft effectively and ensuring civil liberties are upheld.

Published

11 hours ago

April 17, 2024

Oakland Post

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood)

By Assemblymember Tina McKinnor | Special to California Black Media Partners

AB 1990 by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, also known as the STOP Act, raises concerns about the balance between addressing theft effectively and ensuring civil liberties are upheld. This bill allows law enforcement officers to make warrantless arrests for shoplifting offenses not witnessed by the officer, as long as there is reasonable cause to believe the individual committed the crime. This bill has a dangerous potential for overreach and infringes on civil liberties, particularly the right to due process.

While the stated intention behind the STOP Act is to combat organized retail theft and protect businesses, there are valid concerns that this bill is an overreach and that existing law works, if properly enforced by our partners in law enforcement. A petty theft involving property stolen valued at $950 or less may be charged as a felony or misdemeanor (called a wobbler) if the offender has the following prior convictions:  1) at least on prior petty or theft-related conviction for which a term of imprisonment was served, and 2) a prior conviction for a serious or violent offense, for any registerable sex offense, or for embezzlement from a dependent adult or anyone over the age of 65.  A misdemeanor can result in a sentence of up to one year in jail, whereas a felon can mean incarceration for 16 months, two years or three years.  Let’s look at shoplifting in California.  It occurs when a suspect enters a store, while that establishment is open, intending to steal property worth less than $950.  The crime is considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in the county jail.

Granting officers the authority to arrest individuals based on reasonable cause, without witnessing the crime firsthand, can lead to negative consequences and possible violations of individual rights. Probable cause is the legal standard by which police authorities have reason to obtain a warrant for the arrest of a suspected criminal and for the courts to issue a search warrant. A grand jury uses the probable cause standard to determine whether or not to issue a criminal indictment.  The principle behind the probable cause standard is to limit the power of authorities to conduct unlawful search and seizure of a person or its property, and to promote formal, forensic procedures for gathering lawful evidence for the prosecution of the arrested criminal.  Reasonable cause does not require any of this due process and only requires that an officer reasonably believes that a crime has been committed. It is essential to find a middle ground that effectively addresses organized retail theft without compromising the fundamental rights of individuals.

California’s current laws, including the use of witness statements and surveillance evidence are sufficient for addressing suspected shoplifting and organized retail theft. California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently prosecuted Michelle Mack, a suspected organized smash and grab ringleader who paid twelve women to travel around California and commit over $8 million in retail theft at 21 different stores. AG Bonta used California’s current laws to have the suspect arrested and brought to justice.

The State of California is also making significant investments to address retail theft. Just this past year California invested an additional $267 million to combat organized retail theft. It has been less than a year and our law enforcement partners should have the opportunity to address this recent spike in retail theft crime.

Los Angeles County recently applied for and received a grant for the State of California for $15.6 million dollars to address retail theft enforcement.  LA District Attorney George Gascon also recently formed an organized retail task force that partners with LA County Sheriff’s Department, Glendale, Beverly Hills, Burbank, Torrance and Santa Monica Police Departments to integrate their response to retail theft across the region. These collaborative efforts, such as those seen in initiatives like the organized retail task force in LA County, demonstrate the importance of a united approach to tackling theft while maintaining a balance between enforcement and civil liberties.

As we move forward, it is essential for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, businesses and communities to work together in finding solutions that effectively address organized retail theft without encroaching on individual rights. Ongoing evaluation and a commitment to thoughtful consideration will be crucial in navigating this challenge and fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all. Balancing the scales of justice to protect businesses while upholding civil liberties demands a comprehensive and conscientious approach from all stakeholders involved.

I am confident we can find that balance.

About the Author

Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood) represents the 61^st District in Los Angeles County, which includes parts of the South Bay, Inglewood, Hawthorne and Lawndale.