Emanuel Nine Memorial to Open at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston

The Emanuel Nine Memorial at Charleston’s Mother Emanuel AME Church is set to open to the public on Nov. 14, honoring the nine people killed in the racially motivated 2015 shooting, the five survivors and a community shaped by the tragedy. Designed by Michael Arad, whose work includes the National September 11 Memorial, the courtyard centers on the Fountain of Grace, with water flowing from a cross over the victims’ names and curved marble benches offering space for reflection and gathering. Church members, survivors’ families and community leaders helped shape the project, which took years of planning and construction. Church and foundation leaders hope the memorial will offer a place for remembrance, healing and continued reflection on racial hatred and unity, while leaving visitors room to interpret its meaning for themselves. A Survivors’ Garden and a museum across the street are also planned.