Charleston, SC-           The days after tragedy are often full of grief, but many people are taking steps towards healing. Prayer vigils happened across the country this week and in Charleston.

Second Presbyterian Church is located just around the corner from where the shootings happened. The church held a community prayer service Thursday, followed by a march down Calhoun Street to Emanuel A.M.E.

Phalarma Freeman attended the service. She worked closely with Reverend Clementa Pinckney and went to school with Myra Thompson, two of the nine victims. Freeman said the prayer service helped bring closure.

“We have to get passed what has happened in order to move forward,” stated Freeman.

Thousands of people attended a prayer vigil at the College of Charleston Friday.  Local and state leaders attended the service, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott.

Those in attendance joined hands to sing the traditional African- American song, “We Shall Overcome” in honor of the nine Emanuel A.M.E. shooting victims. The moment was special for people of all races in attendance.

“Seeing everybody work together black, white, Jewish, everybody just getting along, forgiving everyone,” said 10 year-old Johnny O’Brien.

Charleston Mayor Joe Riley also spoke at the service. While he hopes the city’s sorrow will ease over time, he said people should never forget. He announced plans to build an African-American museum dedicated to the victims, with an exhibit about the historic Emanuel A.M.E. Church .

  “Charleston will grow from this differently than any other place,” said community member Diane Hankerson. “As some of the speakers mentioned Charleston is not Baltimore, Charleston is not Ferguson.”

The city of Charleston has established a memorial fund for Mother Emanuel Church and the victim’s families. Donations can be made by stopping by any Wells Fargo Bank, texting ‘prayforcharleston’ to 843-606-5995 or going to www.bidr.co/prayforcharleston. Donors can also send  a check to….

Mother Emanuel Hope Fund  

c/o City of Charleston

Post office Box 304

Charleston, SC 29402