[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 103 (Thursday, June 25, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING EMANUEL AME

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                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 2015

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, nine 
extraordinary men and women were killed at the Wednesday night Bible 
study at historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in my birthplace of 
Charleston. I am grateful for their memories.
  Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, 
Susie Jackson, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Reverend Daniel Simmons, 
Reverend Depayne Middleton-Doctor, along with Pastor Clementa Pinckney 
were all leaders of our community and in their church. One served the 
youth as a high school track coach, one a lifelong librarian, one a 
recent college graduate with a bright future ahead of him. Many served 
their church. Each had a clear love of God and love for their fellow 
man as followers of Jesus Christ.
  The loss of Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney has been personal, as 
he was a fellow State legislator. I was honored to host the senator, 
his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Eliana and Malana, when they 
visited the Capitol a few years ago. He grew up in Ridgeland as a 
lifelong friend of my former chief of staff Eric Dell.
  A hate-filled, drug-crazed murderer tried to divide our citizens, but 
he failed, and South Carolinians have unified in love, prayer, and 
respect.

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