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The murder of nine members of Charleston's historic Emanuel A. M. E. Church -"Mother Emanuel" to many - on June 17, 2015, brought shock, horror, and grief to the city, the state, and the country. That time also marked the beginning of a journey for many Charlestonians.A year out they' continue that journey, down the road to healing, and away from hatred and division toward understanding and unity.

Haley, Riley Reflect on Killings at Emanuel A. M. E. Church One Year Ago

South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former Charleston Mayor Joe Riley on SCETV's program "Palmetto Focus."
SCETV

  The murders at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, S.C. last June thrust two of the state’s top public officials into the forefront.  Republican Gov. Nikki Haley, and then Mayor of Charleston Joe Riley, a Democrat.  Both leaders received praise for their roles in the aftermath.

The two were co-recipients of this year’s leadership awards from Furman University’s Riley Institute.

Earlier this year, Haley and Riley sat down for a joint interview with the Institute and reflected on the events of last June 17th.  The Pastor of Mother Emanuel Church, State Senator Clemente Pinckney of Jasper County was among the victims. Gov. Haley begins the conversation by recounting how she had left a message on Pinkney’s cell phone offering her assistance upon hearing of the shootings.

“I never thought that he wouldn’t get that call,” Haley said.  “It was a legislative day.  I assumed he was in the legislature (in Columbia).  I assumed he was in meetings, and so it never crossed my mind at that point that he would never hear that message,” Haley also said.

According to Mayor Riley, “I knew that Sen. Pinckney wasn’t there because the legislature was in session.  He was a dutiful member of the legislature, so I knew he wasn’t there.  And when I went to the church, it was cordoned off, and asked them if Sen. Pinckney had arrived yet … because I knew he would be coming down (to Charleston) at break-neck speed.  And they said, Mayor, Sen. Pinckney was in there.”

To hear the remaining  conversation with Gov. Haley and Mayor Riley listen here …………..

Russ McKinney has 30 years of experience in radio news and public affairs. He is a former broadcast news reporter in Spartanburg, Columbia and Atlanta. He served as Press Secretary to former S.C. Governor Dick Riley for two terms, and for 20 years was the chief public affairs officer for the University of South Carolina.