NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
Remarks As Prepared for Delivery
St. Albans Congregational Church, Sunday, June 21, 2015
Good morning everyone!
I am truly grateful to be with you this morning in this wonderful house of worship.
Today is Father’s Day.
It is a day for all to reflect on the importance of our fathers: be it our biological father or someone who was instrumental in shaping who we are, a teacher, a family member, a coach.
We thank them for the sacrifices they made throughout their lives to encourage us to grow, to learn and to contribute to our communities.
Thank you, fathers.
It is significant that we find ourselves here today celebrating Father’s Day on the same day we mourn those we just lost in South Carolina in a grievous act of terrorism.
The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is steeped in history: It was founded in 1816 and only a few years later was the catalyst for Denmark Vesey’s slave revolt- after which it was burned to the ground.
But that could not stop the spirit of the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church or its congregants- it was rebuilt. And in 1962 saw a young preacher from Atlanta grab its pulpit- that was Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was a sanctuary – it is a peaceful sacred, holy place where everyone was welcome.
Like this church, we must remain that way. We must stay welcoming, stay positive and stay hopeful for a better tomorrow.
We also must resolve ourselves to the task ahead, and the unfinished business which plagues our nations: the scourge of gun violence, racism and bigotry.
Some politicians say; they don’t know what was going on the mind or the heart of the killer– that’s a lie.
We know exactly what was in his head.
His head was filled with bigotry, hate and violence.
And he had the means to achieve his goals: a gun.
Some say “this is an unthinkable act” – that’s a lie too.
If we’re not thinking about it, we should be.
These acts happen far too often in our country and in our communities — and communities throughout the country.
Charleston joins a list that includes the likes of Columbine, Jonesborough, Killeen, Birmingham and Newtown.
Some say “we don’t know where this kind of hate comes from” – that is also a lie.
You just need to look towards the state capitol in South Carolina where the Confederate flag still flies to know where this hate comes from.
That flag, which symbolizes slavery, oppression and hate needs to come down once and for all- period.
I won’t speak the killer’s name, he doesn’t deserve it and he will be judged for his actions: first by the State of South Carolina and then by God.
The names I will say are those we lost who were going about their night studying the Bible and preaching peace.
They were:
• Sharonda Coleman-Singleton a 45 year old mother of three who coached high school track.
• Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was the one who called the meeting that night and was also a State Senator
• Cynthia Hurd who worked in a public library for 31 years
• Tywanza Sanders who had just graduated from Allen University and was starting his life
• Myra Thompson whose husband is a reverend.
• Ethel Lee Lance who worked at the church for more than 30 years.
• Daniel L. Simmons who attend Bible study every Wednesday
• Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor who was a mother of four who sang in the church choir.
• And Susie Jackson a longtime church member.
These are the names we choose to remember, these are the names we should not forget.
Let’s remember them for the lives they’ve lived.
Let’s pray for their families.
And let’s come together as a community, city, country and as a people.
Even in darkness there is light: hate and bigotry may be strong, but love and resilience are stronger.
Let’s commit ourselves to ending gun violence by passing stricter gun control laws.
Let’s commit ourselves to ending the scourge of racism.
And let’s commit ourselves to love and resilience.
Together we can achieve that higher ground; and together we can make tomorrow better.
Thank you.
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