Political Quotes

“let me first thank Senator Graham for your thoughtful comments and, frankly, standing with me and, frankly, more importantly, standing with our family of South Carolina as we faced one of the horrific challenges our State has ever faced in the history of a State that has a very provocative history on race. It is a rare moment when searing pain and disbelief leaves an unforgettable yet undeniable impression on both your heart and your mind. Mr. President, 9/11 was one of those occasions. I remember exactly where I was on that fateful day. June 17, today, 10 years ago, 2015, was another one of those days. I will never forget sitting in my bed when I received the news that there had been a shooting in my hometown of Charleston where, ultimately, nine African Americans attending a Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church would be murdered. Murdered for the simple reason that they were Black. No other reason. Invited into a Bible study was the murderer. With open arms, they welcomed him in. And for 90 minutes or so he sat through a Bible study listening and watching as these Christian souls talked about and then prayed, including him. This atrocity that was carried out in an attempt to start a race war, a second race war, at the birthplace of the Civil War, changed the landscape and, frankly, the hearts, not only of Charleston, SC and those members of the Mother Emanuel Church but our entire State and Nation.”