NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
\nRemarks As Prepared for Delivery
\nSt. Albans Congregational Church, Sunday, June 21, 2015<\/p>\n
Good morning everyone!<\/p>\n
I am truly grateful to be with you this morning in this wonderful house of worship.<\/p>\n
Today is Father\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
We thank them for the sacrifices they made throughout their lives to encourage us to grow, to learn and to contribute to our communities.<\/p>\n
Thank you, fathers. <\/p>\n
It is significant that we find ourselves here today celebrating Father\u2019s Day on the same day we mourn those we just lost in South Carolina in a grievous act of terrorism.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s slave revolt- after which it was burned to the ground. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church was a sanctuary \u2013 it is a peaceful sacred, holy place where everyone was welcome.<\/p>\n
Like this church, we must remain that way. We must stay welcoming, stay positive and stay hopeful for a better tomorrow.<\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
Some politicians say; they don\u2019t know what was going on the mind or the heart of the killer\u2013 that\u2019s a lie.<\/p>\n
We know exactly what was in his head.<\/p>\n
His head was filled with bigotry, hate and violence.<\/p>\n
And he had the means to achieve his goals: a gun.<\/p>\n
Some say \u201cthis is an unthinkable act\u201d \u2013 that\u2019s a lie too.<\/p>\n
If we\u2019re not thinking about it, we should be.<\/p>\n
These acts happen far too often in our country and in our communities — and communities throughout the country.<\/p>\n
Charleston joins a list that includes the likes of Columbine, Jonesborough, Killeen, Birmingham and Newtown.<\/p>\n
Some say \u201cwe don\u2019t know where this kind of hate comes from\u201d \u2013 that is also a lie.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
That flag, which symbolizes slavery, oppression and hate needs to come down once and for all- period. <\/p>\n
I won\u2019t speak the killer\u2019s name, he doesn\u2019t deserve it and he will be judged for his actions: first by the State of South Carolina and then by God.<\/p>\n
The names I will say are those we lost who were going about their night studying the Bible and preaching peace.<\/p>\n
They were:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sharonda Coleman-Singleton a 45 year old mother of three who coached high school track.
\n\u2022 Reverend Clementa Pinckney, who was the one who called the meeting that night and was also a State Senator
\n\u2022 Cynthia Hurd who worked in a public library for 31 years
\n\u2022 Tywanza Sanders who had just graduated from Allen University and was starting his life
\n\u2022 Myra Thompson whose husband is a reverend.
\n\u2022 Ethel Lee Lance who worked at the church for more than 30 years.
\n\u2022 Daniel L. Simmons who attend Bible study every Wednesday
\n\u2022 Rev. Depayne Middleton-Doctor who was a mother of four who sang in the church choir.
\n\u2022 And Susie Jackson a longtime church member.<\/p>\n
These are the names we choose to remember, these are the names we should not forget. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s remember them for the lives they\u2019ve lived.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s pray for their families.<\/p>\n
And let\u2019s come together as a community, city, country and as a people.<\/p>\n
Even in darkness there is light: hate and bigotry may be strong, but love and resilience are stronger.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s commit ourselves to ending gun violence by passing stricter gun control laws. <\/p>\n
Let\u2019s commit ourselves to ending the scourge of racism.<\/p>\n
And let\u2019s commit ourselves to love and resilience.<\/p>\n
Together we can achieve that higher ground; and together we can make tomorrow better.<\/p>\n
Thank you.<\/p>\n
###<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito
\nRemarks As Prepared for Delivery
\nSt. Albans Congregational Church, Sunday, June 21, 2015<\/p>\n
Good morning everyone!<\/p>\n
I am truly grateful to be with you this morning in this wonderful house of worship.<\/p>\n
Today is Father\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
…<\/p>\n