HONORING MOTHER EMANUEL // JUNE 3
New York Times journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Kevin Sack discusses his newly released work "Mother Emanuel" with WCBD-TV anchor Carolyn Murray. The book chronicles the historic Charleston church's significance from its 1817 founding through the 2015 tragedy that claimed nine lives including Pastor Clementa Pinckney. The conversation examines the AME church's development in the South, its role during Reconstruction and the Civil Rights Movement, and the unprecedented forgiveness displayed by victims' families. Charleston Library Society, 164 King St. Tuesday, 6pm. $60-$50. (843)723-9912, charlestonlibrarysociety.org
THE CHARLESTON FORUM // JUNE 10
This community gathering marks a decade since the Mother Emanuel AME tragedy through panel discussions examining progress and challenges on race-related issues. The program features conversations with local leaders including Mother Emanuel AME Senior Pastor Reverend Eric S.C. Manning, Charleston County Sheriff Carl Ritchie, and representatives from community organizations. A second panel brings together elected officials including Charleston Mayor William Cogswell and Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson. Grammy Award-winning musician Charlton Singleton delivers a special performance during the evening. Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St. Tuesday, 7pm. Free. charlestonforumtickets.com
“WHAT’S THE WAY FORWARD” TOWN HALL // JUNE 12
The Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation hosts a town hall meeting discussing work to be done a decade after the tragedy. The event opens with a praise and worship session to honor the lives and legacies of the Emanuel Nine and their families. CNN Political Commentator Bakari Sellers will moderate the discussion, featuring panelists like Cynthia Graham Hurd’s brother, Malcolm Graham, and President and CEO of the International African American Museum Tonya M. Matthews. In March, Graham released a book titled The Way Forward, giving hope and insight into the ongoing call for reconciliation and justice. Attendees are encouraged to donate a children’s book and bring a postcard describing the way forward in their own words. Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St. Thursday, 6pm. Free. (843)722-1869, motheremanuel.com
EMANUEL NINE DAY OF OBSERVANCE // JUNE 17
Join the Emanuel AME Church congregation as they honor and celebrate the lives of the Emanuel Nine on the 10-year anniversary of the shooting. Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St. Tuesday, 11am. Free. (843)722-1869, motheremanuel.com
COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH DISCUSSION // JUNE 19
On the Juneteenth holiday, join the Mother Emanuel AME Church for an open discussion on mental health and the importance of community support in paving the way forward. Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St. Thursday, 6:30pm. Free. (843)722-1869, motheremanuel.com
LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS: A JUNETEENTH CONVERSATION WITH POLLY SHEPPARD // JUNE 19
Magnolia Plantation hosts Polly Sheppard, a survivor of the Mother Emanuel AME shooting, to discuss her story and the role resilience has played in the 10 years following the tragedy. Joined by author Margaret Seidler and illustrator John W. Jones to discuss their book, Payne-ful Business: Charleston’s Journey to Truth, Sheppard will uncover her complex genealogical past and highlight Seidler’s research on Charleston’s racial history to celebrate the national holiday of liberation. Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, 3550 Ashley River Rd. Thursday, 6pm. Free with advance registration. (843)571-1266, magnoliaplantation.com
ACTS OF AMAZING GRACE DAY: COMMUNITY DINNER // JUNE 20
Transformation Table, an organization that encourages cross-cultural interactions over shared meals, hosts a community dinner at Joseph Fields Farms. Transformation Table began in 2016, one year after the Mother Emanuel AME shooting, in response to Dr. Bernice A. King’s challenge to visit each other’s homes and share meals together amidst times of hate and violence. As part of an “Acts of Amazing Grace Day,” attendees can get to know their neighbors over a meal by Gullah-Geechee chef BJ Dennis. Joseph Fields Farms, 3129 River Road, Johns Island. Friday, 6:30pm. Free. transformationtable.org
CYNTHIA GRAHAM HURD COMMUNITY DAY // JUNE 21
Celebrate the life of Cynthia Graham Hurd, a champion of books and literacy, during this community event. Hurd dedicated 31 years to the Charleston County Public Library service, serving as the former manager of the St. Andrews Library. The event will feature live entertainment from Gullah spiritual acapella group the Plantation Singers, local vendors and food trucks, and free books for attendees of all ages. The Cynthia Graham Hurd/St. Andrews Library, 1735 N Woodmere Dr. Saturday, 11am. Free. (843)766-2546, ccpl.org
EMANUEL NINE HUMANITARIAN AWARDS GALA // JUNE 21
This awards gala celebrates the legacies of those whose lives were cut short by honoring the extraordinary individuals who embody their spirits today. The event includes live entertainment and a gourmet dinner. Trident Technical College, 7000 Rivers Ave., North Charleston. Saturday, 5pm. $150. (843)722-1869, motheremanuel.com
AME DAY OF REMEMBRANCE // JUNE 22
Join the Mother Emanuel AME Church for Sunday morning service to remember the nine lives lost and reflect on the resounding community impact of the shooting. Mother Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St. Sunday, 10am. Free. (843)722-1869, motheremanuel.com
INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY FAIR // JUNE 28
This afternoon of cultural celebration hosted by the International African American Museum concludes the 10-year Emanuel Nine commemoration events schedule. Various artists and performers will fill the West Yard of the African Ancestors Memorial Garden to create a space of celebration, healing, and reflection. The International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside. Saturday, noon. Free. (843)872-5353, iaamuseum.org
