In the wake of the horrific AME Massacre, yet another instance of domestic terrorism in the form of a hate crime, I urge you to stop giving energy to the hate-filled terrorist who shot up the church. Forget his name. Don’t read the stories about what a soft-spoken kid he was. Don’t post his picture, not even the ones of his confederate license plate or his jacket with apartheid patches.

Instead, remember these people, and pray for them, their families, and their community.
Pray for an end to racism.
And then go do something about it.

Susie Jackson, 87, longtime church member

Cynthia Hurd, 54, librarian, a tireless servant of the community who spent her life helping residents, making sure they had every opportunity for an education and personal growth

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, mother of three, reverend, and high school track coach

Tywanza Sanders, 26, recent graduate of Allen University in Columbia, working as a barber, described as quiet, warm, and helpful

Rev. Clementa Pinckney, 41, who was leading the prayer service, a state senator for whom the call to preach came early

Myra Thompson, 59, wife of reverend Anthony Thomspon

Ethel Lee Lance, 70, a sexton at the church who had worked there for more than 30 years

Daniel L Simmons Sr, 74, a ministerial staff member at the church, who attended bible study every Wednesday

Depayne Middleton Doctor, 49, former Charleston County community development director