One of the most amazing things about human nature is that we are inclined to find hope and positivity in the face of tragedy.
The Charleston mass shooting that took place at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church on June 17, 2015 was an absolute tragedy. Nine lives were lost that day, leaving a broken community to pick up the pieces. But in a wonderfully inspirational and miraculous way, people from Charleston and around the country have responded to the tragedy with love, compassion, positivity, and unity.
In the wake of any awful event, it is easy to get bogged down in negativity and despair. However, what these people have been able to do to prove the true strength of the human spirit is extremely admirable. I am so grateful for the positive outpouring and response, and I am inspired to go out and do the same.
Scroll through to see some of these amazing people and their positivity enveloping the community. Are you as moved by their love and strength as we are? Let us know in the comments.
Please SHARE if you love positive stories of hope like this.
In the wake of the Charleston tragedy, the outpouring of love from the community has been incredible. Hundreds and hundreds of heartfelt notes, flowers, letters, balloons, and other gifts have been left at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The love and human connection has been amazing. Three-year-old Parker Nettles gave a big hug to fellow South Carolina resident Taylor Willis who was offering free hugs at a prayer gathering called "Charleston United."
Local Charleston businesses have been sharing positivity and hope as well. Cupcake Down South created a Charleston Love cupcake with all of the proceeds donated to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund. A local bar Proof hosted a charity night to raise money, and a local hotel Zero George pledged 10% of their proceeds.
Even large businesses became involved. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz flew to Charleston and donated $50,000 to several local funds. Boeing South Carolina donated $100,000 to the Mother Emanuel Hope Fund. As of June 22, over $375,000 had been raised with the support of businesses, both big and small.
The love was also shared by the state's football team, the Carolina Panthers. Panthers owner Jerry Richardson generously donated $10,000 to each of the families of the victims, as well as $10,000 to the church.
"Dear Mr. Sellers:
In honor of Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, The Reverend Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, The Reverend Daniel L. Simmons, Sr. and Myra Thompson, please accept the enclosed check from the Carolina Panthers in the amount of $100,000 to provide $10,000 per family to help defray funeral costs and other financial needs of each, and $10,000 for the church as a memorial honoring the victims. Our hearts are one with those who grieve the loss of these individuals.
Respectfully,
Jerry Richardson"
Many vigils, marches, and prayer sessions have been planned throughout the city, attracting thousands of people. One such event, the Bridge to Peace, held a march across Charleston's Ravenel Bridge. The turnout was incredible.
Once positioned on the bridge, the massive crowd took part in a 9 minute moment of silence. Event organizers announced in a press release, "We are responding to this tragedy with love not hate. We are standing together unified in faith and prayer."
The Charleston tragedy also led to the creation of an amazing organization called The Holy Heart City Project. In addition to creating beautiful artwork inspired by the shooting, the project is hosting an event in downtown Charleston to create a heart shape out of the crowd. They say they are "using our bodies to send a heart shaped message to the people of the world that we will unite."
Social media has erupted with the handle #CharlestonStrong. The hashtag has been used to spread the message of hope and strength among the people of Charleston, and this image is currently the cover photo for the Charleston Community Prayer Vigil on Facebook.
A physical message board outside of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church carries written words from hundreds of members of the Charleston community and visitors from South Carolina and the rest of the country.
The positive message from the people of Charleston is a strong one. They are delivering it loud and clear through their heartfelt words and inspirational deeds. Love is indeed free, and Charleston is overflowing with it.
Please SHARE if you love positive stories of hope and strength like this.
