A Current Chapter On Freedom's Landscape

     This Independence Day Weekend is coming to a close. In honoring the founders of this incredible Republic we must continue to work to keep monsters of power in check in order to prevent ourselves from becoming a Nation of endless war. To do this we must keep in mind the lessons of an accurate history for the benefit of all in our Nation. Our freedoms inscribed in the Constitution are to be respected & exercised.

     The following article is in the category of freedom, the everyday work of continuing to honor & exercise the American ideal, our just goal of ~justice for all~

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     As we were leading up to this holiday weekend this past July 2nd my husband, & two friends of ours attended a Community Service of Remembrance and Unity in Honor of the Emanuel Nine who's lives were suddenly taken by a crazed gunman.

The Emanuel Nine

 Cynthia Maie Graham Hurd; Susie Jackson; Etherel Lee Lance; Depayne Middleton-Doctor; Clementa C. Pinckney; Tyawanza Sanders; Daniel Simmons; Sharonda Coleman-Singleton; Mayra Thompson

 This event was sponsored by

 Norwich Branch of the NAACP,  

Norwich Area Clergy Association

Sankofa Education And Leadership, Inc.

of Norwich, Connecticut

     Those of us that gathered in the David Ruggles Freedom Courtyard on July 2nd, heard a very brief paragraph about each individual who's name was sadly included on the above list. These innocent people were gathered together in their place of worship exercising the constitutional right of freedom of religion, but due to the color of their skin they like any soldier in the front line defending the freedom of this wonderful country gave the ultimate sacrifice & paid with their lives for the right to participate in a study lesson of their chosen faith.

     The enduring message shared with us that special evening was that faith & love, not hate makes us strong. That faith & forgiveness is the cornerstone of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina where this massacre took place. We were all encouraged to go forth in the spirt that would best honor these beloved fallen by practicing forgiveness as we continue to seek justice in the name of those who were taken from us.

     We of this Nation must continue to remain vigilant in protecting the rights & freedoms of all our citizens. The individuals who's lives have been cut down drastically are now among the list of the fallen freedom seekers. We grieve their passing, & their sacrifice will be honored & remembered.

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Photos beginning at the top of this post- 

Ms. Jacqueline Owens, President, Norwich Branch, NAACP

Pastor, St. Nicolas Orthodox Church

U.S. Congressman Joseph Courtney

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