On the Town: In Commemoration

June 17, 2015: a date that needs no explanation, at least in the Lowcountry. It’s a time stamp forever etched in the hearts and minds of Charlestonians and those who love the city, those who shared in our pain after the horrific murders at Mother Emanuel AME Church. As the first anniversary of that dreadful day approaches, we have compiled a list of Bible studies, church services, mural dedications, and more.

Wednesday, June 15

ECUMENICAL BIBLE STUDY
Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark, pastor of Emanuel AME, and the Reverend Anthony Thompson, who lost his wife, Myra, in the June 17 shooting, lead the first of two ecumenical Bible studies. Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St. Wednesday, 6 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

Wednesday, June 15- Friday, June 17

“THE HOLY CITY: ART OF LOVE, UNITY, & RESURRECTION”
This fine art, music, and poetry pop-up features works forged from the raw emotions elicited by the mass shooting, inviting the viewer to consider what it would mean to truly be the Holy City. A portion of proceeds will benefit an effort to create a permanent place on the peninsula where African-American artists can show their work, as envisioned by the late Rev. Clementa Pinckney. Passages Gallery, 414 King St. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Free

Friday, June 17

CHARLESTON COMMUNITY SUPPER & ECUMENICAL COMMUNION SERVICE
Second Presbyterian Church sponsors this supper, for which area restaurants provide a free potluck-style meal to Lowcountry residents. After the meal, head into the sanctuary to participate in a city-wide ecumenical communion service and celebration with 15 participating churches. The Reverend Kylon Middleton of Mount Zion AME delivers the message, and the Saint James Presbyterian Church leads worship music. Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting St. Friday, 6 p.m. Free. (843) 723-9237

AFTER CHARLESTON: THE SACRED SPACE
Emanuel AME opens its doors to all who wish to experience its hallowed halls for a time of worship, prayer, and reflection. The special service includes Will Reagan of Christian band United Pursuit, Freddy Washington of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and other worship leaders from the Lowcountry. The event represents the coming together of many Charleston-area churches and groups: Emanuel AME, the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, Civilitas Group, After Charleston, 1Charleston, and New Metropolitan. Emanuel AME, 110 Calhoun St. Friday, 7 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

AFTER CHARLESTON: THE ACTIVATION
Gain information that will help you actively work toward unifying Charleston during this summit (including music and the insight of some notable national figures) sponsored by Mother Emanuel, After Charleston, Civilitas Group, 1Charleston, and the Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul. Send RSVPs to bryu@civilitasgroup.org. Emanuel AME Church, 110 Calhoun St. Friday, 9:30 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

Saturday, June 18

PRAYER BREAKFAST
Hosted by South Carolina State Senators Margie Bright Matthews and Marlon Kimpson, this event is open to the public. Due to limited seating, reservations are requested. Send RSVPs to margiebrightmatthews@scsenate.gov by the end of today, Wednesday, June 15. Francis Marion Hotel, 387 King St. Saturday, 7:30 a.m. Free. (843)722-0600

SAMARITAN’S FEET SHOE DISTRIBUTION
Emanuel AME hosts Samaritan’s Feet, a nonprofit that provides thousands of free tennis shoes and socks to children in need around the world. Distribution takes place throughout the morning, with activities for children. Registration is required for children to receive shoes and socks. Buist Academy, 103 Calhoun St. Saturday, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. (843) 724-7750, (843) 722-2561, samaritansfeet.org

A MOMENT OF SILENCE…TO READ
Bring your kids to the Dart Library to sign a daily reading pledge. While supplies last, youth participants receive a free book donated by the siblings of the late Cynthia Graham Hurd. John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St. Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (843) 722-7550, ccpl.org

A WALK OF UNITY & THANKSGIVING
Emanuel AME and the Hate Won’t Win Movement invite members of the public to stand together and take part in this walk, which starts at Marion Square (with overflow at Wragg Square) and ends on the Gaillard Center lawn. A unity and healing ceremony featuring the releasing of doves takes place once all participants arrive. The event concludes with an address by keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Bernice King—the youngest daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—and a performance by award-winning gospel singer Rev. Shirley Caesar as part of a Mother Emanuel tree dedication ceremony. Marion Square, 329 Meeting St. Saturday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. (843 )722-2561, hatewontwinmovement.com

MOTHER EMANUEL QUILT EXHIBITION
Artists from across the globe stitched loving memorial quilts to share their compassion for Mother Emanuel. These beautiful tributes to the Emanuel Nine display the world’s grief and respect for the members of the centuries-old church. The Arch Building, 85 Calhoun St. Saturday, 2-7 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

E PLURIBUS UNUM: OUT OF MANY, ONE
The Charleston Spiritual Ensemble, which honors the history of African-American musical traditions, unites with the Charleston Gospel Choir, an all-volunteer group dedicated to “building bridges, not walls” for a powerful performance. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Mother Emanuel AME Church Building Fund. Gaillard Center Performance Hall, 95 Calhoun St. Saturday, 7 p.m. $25; $20 senior; $10 student. (843) 991-1035, charlestonspiritual.com

Monday, June 20

MURAL DEDICATION
Last spring, Enough Pie partnered with the Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) to have world-renowned street artist R. ROBOTS paint a geometric mural of books on the side of the Dart Library in honor of Cynthia Graham Hurd, who managed the branch for 21 years. Watch community leaders officially dedicate it as a permanent tribute to Hurd’s commitment to literacy. John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St. Monday, 9 a.m. Free. (843) 722-7550, ccpl.org

DISCUSSION: GUN CONTROL & BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN YOUTH & LAW ENFORCEMENT
A panel of area leaders and law enforcement officials discuss what the community has learned since the shootings and how we can work together to foster positive relationships. The event is presented by CCPL and Passion to Forgive, an organization founded by the family of Myra Thompson to provide educational and development opportunities to underserved youth and their families. Main Library Auditorium, 68 Calhoun St. Monday, 2 p.m. Free. (843) 805-6930, ccpl.org

WE ARE CHARLESTON: BOOK DISCUSSION
We Are Charleston explores the impact of the tragedy; the role of the AME church; and the importance of awareness, action, and forgiveness. Authors Herb Frazier, Dr. Bernard Edward Powers Jr., and Marjory Wentworth reflect on their process in writing this deeply emotional book. Copies are available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds going to CCPL’s Cynthia Graham Hurd Memorial Fund. Main Library Auditorium, 68 Calhoun St. Monday, 6 p.m. Free. (843) 805-6930, ccpl.org

Tuesday, June 21

A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR LITERACY
Help celebrate Cynthia Graham Hurd’s birthday at St. Andrews Regional Library, where she was the manager at the time of her death, and carry on her passion for education and literacy. In addition to enjoying cake, crafts, and activities, youth attendees receive a free book donated by Hurd’s family, while the books last. St. Andrews Regional Library, 1735 N. Woodmere Dr., West Ashley. Tuesday, 4 p.m. Free. (843) 766-2546, ccpl.org

Wednesday, June 22

ECUMENICAL BIBLE STUDY
Join Reverends Dr. Betty Deas Clark and Anthony Thompson for the second of two ecumenical Bible studies. Emanuel AME, 110 Calhoun St. Wednesday, 6 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

CALLING ALL COLORS: A CELEBRATION OF MULTICULTURALISM
Emanuel AME hosts a one-day seminar for children ages 10 to 14 to promote multicultural mindsets by discussing stereotypes, biases, and other race-related topics. Participants will experience different cultures through artistic presentations and brainstorm ways to promote widespread tolerance in their schools and communities. Lunch is provided. Emanuel AME, 110 Calhoun St. Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

Saturday, June 25

A MOMENT OF SILENCE…TO READ
Bring your kids to the Dart Library to sign a daily reading pledge. While supplies last, youth participants receive a free book donated by the siblings of the late Cynthia Graham Hurd. John L. Dart Library, 1067 King St. Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. (843) 722-7550, ccpl.org

“MORNING GRACE: COMING HOME TO MOTHER”
Join with others who gather to remember at the grand finale gospel concert “Morning Grace: Coming Home to Mother.” Jazz and gospel vocalist Ann Caldwell serves as Mistress of Ceremonies, while the Lowcountry Voices choir and other guest artists also perform. Reserve tickets on the church’s website. Emanuel AME, 110 Calhoun St. Saturday, 6-8 p.m. Free. (843) 722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL
Join in this candlelight Vigil with Service of the Bells led by St. Michael’s Episcopal Church. Emanuel AME, 110 Calhoun St. Saturday, 8-9 p.m. Free. (843)722-2561, emanuelamechurch.org

Through June 30

KINDRED KIDS’ WOVEN MANDALA
View the mandala woven by students from North Charleston Elementary and Mason Prep. In the wake of the Mother Emanuel church shootings, WINGS for Kids formed the Kindred Kids program, bringing these students from diverse backgrounds to work together and understand each other and themselves in new ways. Charleston County Public Library, Main Branch Lobby, 68 Calhoun St. Free. (843) 805-6930, ccpl.org or wingsforkids.org

“THE LIFE & LEGACY OF CYNTHIA GRAHAM HURD”
Learn more about the impact that slain librarian Cynthia Graham Hurd continues to have on her community through an exhibit of gifts, cards, and memorials. Charleston County Public Library, Branch Lobby, 68 Calhoun St. Free. (843) 805-6930, ccpl.org

BOOK DRIVE: CONTINUING THE GIFT
Donate new children’s books at any Charleston County Public Library branch during the month of June. The books will be given to students in Charleston County’s Title 1 schools through a partnership with Reading Partners and the Cynthia Graham Hurd Foundation for Literacy and Civic Engagement. Books should be suitable for students in kindergarten through fifth grades. (843) 805-6930, ccpl.org