National

President Obama Speaks, Sings of ‘Amazing Grace’ in Memory of Rev. Pinckney

Published

11 years ago

June 30, 2015

President Obama eulogizes Rev. Clementa Pinckney Friday at TD arena in Charleston, South Carolina. Pinckney and eight members of the historic Emanuel AME church were tragically killed in a mass shooting two weeks ago. (Lawrence Bryant/St. Louis American)

by Kenya Vaughn
Special to the NNPA from the St. Louis American

“His sacrifice must lead to reconciliation,” said U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC).

Rev. Clementa Pinckney paid the ultimate price when a stranger was allowed to stranger join him and about a dozen others for bible study at Charleston’s historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church two weeks ago.

Pinckney, a South Carolina State Senator in addition to serving as senior pastor of “Mother Emanuel”, was mourned by the thousands who packed into Charleston’s TD arena and millions via television and live stream on Friday.

“His last act was to open his doors to someone he didn’t know, he didn’t understand and who didn’t look like him,” Scott said. “Let’s not close the doors that Senator Pinckney gave his life to open.”

The service stretched from late morning to mid-afternoon as nearly a dozen came to bid farewell to the leader of “Mother Emanuel” through remarks and reflections, culminated by a soul-stirring eulogy delivered by President Barack Obama.

By eulogy’s end –members of the clergy endearingly referred to him as “Reverend Obama” after he lifted the audience not only through words, but by a surprising impromptu rendition of “Amazing Grace” that compelled clergy, the massive choir and mourners to join in.

Just like the church and Charleston community echoed in the wake of the tragic mass shooting that killed nine faithful members, Pinckney’s home going would echo the theme of forgiveness and the “amazing” grace that moved President Obama to song.

“The alleged killer was so filled with hate,” Obama said. “He failed to comprehend what Rev. Pinckney so clearly understood – the power of God’s grace. Blinded by hatred, the alleged killer couldn’t see the grace surrounded by Rev. Pinckney and others. But God works in mysterious ways. God has different ideas. He [Roof] didn’t know that he was being used by God.”

Rev. Pinckney and then Senator Obama met during his 2008 presidential campaign. He is also a practicing member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – and offered a bit of insight on how Re. Pinckney was able to seamlessly merge his ministerial calling along with his political work.

“Our calling is not just within the walls of the congregation, but life and the community in which our church resides,” Obama said of the oldest historically black religious denomination in the Western Hemisphere.

In his thirty minute eulogy, President Obama managed to touch upon the issues of racism, gun violence and the confederate flag debate. All became hot topics in the wake of the tragic shooting that suspect Dylan Roof reportedly confessed to police said was orchestrated to spark a race war.

“By taking down that flag, we express god’s grace. But I don’t think God wants us to stop there,” President Obama said. “Perhaps this tragedy will cause us to answer some tough questions – cause us to examine what we are doing to cause our children to hate. Maybe we now realize how racial bias can infect us- how we’ll call Johnny back for a job interview, but not Jamal.”

President Obama praised the families of the victims, the city of Charleston and the state of South Carolina for their reaction to the tragedy. In particular, he pointed out the spirit of forgiveness and compassion expressed by the family and the greater “Mother Emanuel” church family and the progressive action by Governor Haley in her efforts to get the Confederate flag removed.

He talked about the legacy of hatred that has managed to survive not only in the south, but all across the nation –and how Rev. Pinckney tireless efforts to eradicate its lingering aftermath.

“Clem understood that justice grows out of recognition of ourselves in each other – and that you being free means me too,” President Obama said. “I believe it would be a betrayal against everything Rev. Pinckney has stood for if we go back to a place of business as usual.”

He encouraged mourners to take note from Rev. Pinckney’s life and implement grace in working towards building a truly united America.

“This whole week I’ve been reflecting on this this thing called grace,” Obama said. “Clem knew that the path of grace involves an open mind – but more importantly an open heart. If we can find that grace, anything is possible. If we can tap that grace everything can change.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

New NNPA Officers Elected; Denise Rolark Barnes Elected Chair

Don't Miss

Removing Flag May Get Done, But Not Now

Oakland Post

Click to comment

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of February 11 = 17, 2026

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of – February 11 – 17, 2026

Published

6 days ago

February 16, 2026

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Advice

Rising Optimism Among Small And Middle Market Business Leaders Suggests Growth for California

“Business leaders across the Pacific region continue to demonstrate a unique blend of resilience and forward-thinking, even in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty,” said Brennon Crist, Managing Director and Head of the Pacific Segment, Commercial Banking, J.P. Morgan. “Their commitment to innovation and growth is evident in the way they adapt to challenges and seize new opportunities. It’s this spirit that keeps our region at the forefront of business leadership and progress. We look forward to helping our clients navigate all that’s ahead in 2026.”

Published

1 week ago

February 14, 2026

Oakland Post

Super Scout / E+ with Getty Images.

Sponsored by JPMorganChase

Business optimism is returning for small and midsize business leaders at the start of 2026, fueling confidence and growth plans.

The 2026 Business Leaders Outlook survey, released in January by JPMorganChase reveals a turnaround from last June, when economic headwinds and uncertainty about shifting policies and tariffs caused some leaders to put their business plans on hold.

Midsize companies, who often find themselves more exposed to geopolitical shifts and policy changes, experienced a significant dip in business and economic confidence in June of 2025. As they have become more comfortable with the complexities of today’s environment, we are seeing optimism rebounding in the middle market nationwide – an encouraging sign for growth, hiring, and innovation. Small businesses, meanwhile, maintained steady optimism throughout 2025, but they aren’t shielded from domestic concerns. Many cited inflation and wage pressures as the top challenges for 2026 and are taking steps to ensure their businesses are prepared for what’s ahead.

Overall, both small and midsize business leaders are feeling more confident to pursue growth opportunities, embrace emerging technologies and, in some cases, forge new strategic partnerships. That bodes well for entrepreneurs in California. Here are a few other key findings from the Business Leaders Outlook about trends expected to drive activity this year:

Inflation remains the top concern for small business owners. Following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, many anticipated a favorable business environment. By June 2025, however, that feeling shifted amid concerns about political dynamics, tariffs, evolving regulations and global economic headwinds.
Going into 2026, 37% of respondents cited inflation as their top concern. Rising taxes came in second at 27% and the impact of tariffs was third at 22%. Other concerns included managing cash flow, hiring and labor costs.

For middle market leaders, uncertainty remains an issue. Almost half (49%) of all midsize business leaders surveyed cited “economic uncertainty” as their top concern – even with an improved outlook from a few months ago. Revenue and sales growth was second at 33%, while tariffs and labor both were third at 31%.
And tariffs are impacting businesses costs. Sixty-one percent of midsize business leaders said tariffs have had a negative impact on the cost of doing business.
Despite challenges, leaders are bullish on their own enterprises. Though the overall outlook is mixed, 74% of small business owners and 71% of middle market companies are optimistic about their company’s prospects for 2026.
Adaption is the theme. For small business owners surveyed across the U.S., responding to continuing pressures is important in 2026. Building cash reserves (47%), renegotiating supplier terms (36%) and ramping up investments in marketing and technology are among the top priorities.
Big plans are on the horizon. A majority midsized company leaders expect revenue growth this year, and nearly three out of five of (58%) plan to introduce new products or services in the coming year, while 53% look to expand into new domestic and/or international markets. Forty-nine percentsay they’re pursuing strategic partnerships or investments.

The bottom line

Rebounding optimism among U.S. business leaders at the start of the year is setting the stage for an active 2026. With business leaders looking to implement ambitious growth plans that position themselves for the future, momentum in California could be beneficial for leaders looking to launch, grow or scale their business this year.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

COMMENTARY: The National Protest Must Be Accompanied with Our Votes

Just as Trump is gathering election data like having the FBI take all the election data in Georgia from the 2020 election, so must we organize in preparation for the coming primary season to have the right people on ballots in each Republican district, so that we can regain control of the House of Representatives and by doing so, restore the separation of powers and balance that our democracy is being deprived of.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2026

Oakland Post

Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper. File photo..

By Dr. John E. Warren, Publisher San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

As thousands of Americans march every week in cities across this great nation, it must be remembered that the protest without the vote is of no concern to Donald Trump and his administration.

In every city, there is a personal connection to the U.S. Congress. In too many cases, the member of Congress representing the people of that city and the congressional district in which it sits, is a Republican. It is the Republicans who are giving silent support to the destructive actions of those persons like the U.S. Attorney General, the Director of Homeland Security, and the National Intelligence Director, who are carrying out the revenge campaign of the President rather than upholding the oath of office each of them took “to Defend The Constitution of the United States.”

In California, the primary comes in June 2026. The congressional races must be a priority just as much as the local election of people has been so important in keeping ICE from acquiring facilities to build more prisons around the country.

“We the People” are winning this battle, even though it might not look like it. Each of us must get involved now, right where we are.

In this Black History month, it is important to remember that all we have accomplished in this nation has been “in spite of” and not “because of.” Frederick Douglas said, “Power concedes nothing without a struggle.”

Today, the struggle is to maintain our very institutions and history. Our strength in this struggle rests in our “collectiveness.” Our newspapers and journalists are at the greatest risk. We must not personally add to the attack by ignoring those who have been our very foundation, our Black press.

Are you spending your dollars this Black History Month with those who salute and honor contributions by supporting those who tell our stories? Remember that silence is the same as consent and support for the opposition. Where do you stand and where will your dollars go?