Christian Hip-Hop Artists Speak On Charleston Church Shooting

On June 17, the ABC-affiliated television station for the Lowcountry area of South Carolina reported that nine people were shot to death during a prayer meeting at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC [110 Calhoun Street]. The shooting happened about 9 pm and eight people died inside the church. Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the church’s pastor, was among those shot. The shooter is described as a 21 years old white male with a slender build. How some mainstream media outlets have covered the Charleston shooting, has opened up the door for conversation on how criminals of different races are painted in general.

“This is a tragedy that no community should have to experience,” Chief Greg Mullen said. “It’s senseless and unfathomable that someone would go into a church where people were having a prayer meeting and take their lives.”

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina is the oldest AME Church in the South and has one of the oldest black congregations in the South.

Read what some in the Christian hip-hop community had to say about the Charleston shooting below.

Praying that the families of those lost at #AMEshooting in S.C. are comforted and that the shooter is apprehended.

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/thederekminor/status/611367691874631680

It's worth reading the history of Emanuel AME Church where tonight's shooting took place http://t.co/BUipvVNqvR #ameshooting

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

It really is a crazy world out here.

— Southpaw Swade (@SouthpawSwade) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/IAmSherrodWhite/status/611399286027354112

Domestic terrorism has history in America.

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

Will white males in their 20's be stopped and searched? Will there be conversations surrounding fatherlessness in white communities?

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/prophiphop/status/611389069084372994

https://twitter.com/prophiphop/status/611391485330612224

Tonight as I pray I know that God can handle these prayers. pic.twitter.com/uZCp31ewIm

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/prophiphop/status/611396987812868096

https://twitter.com/prophiphop/status/611397969049333760

https://twitter.com/kareemmanuel/status/611399093642878976

If compelled you can donate directly to Emanuel AME Church here: http://t.co/IYxJFHeBHm

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

Heart breaking #CharlestonShooting

— Tedashii (@Tedashii) June 18, 2015

@ChapFowler racial tension already exists, before it hits media. Some just aren't privileged enough to feel that tension

— GRANDCHAD (@IamChadJones) June 18, 2015

@ChapFowler it's ok to point out the issues that keep us from experiencing true reconciliation before we jump to a solution

— GRANDCHAD (@IamChadJones) June 18, 2015

@ChapFowler its uncomfortable, but that's ok. Jesus told the woman well, "you worship what you do not know" , regardless of her intentions

— GRANDCHAD (@IamChadJones) June 18, 2015

Psalm 137: 3-6 says something similar to my response to your tweet. Twitter is not the right place my response. https://t.co/KwU8AQM5D9

— GRANDCHAD (@IamChadJones) June 18, 2015

Charleston Police Chief, "I do believe this was a hate crime".

— Tedashii (@Tedashii) June 18, 2015

If this was 9 dead white people and many more wounded I'd be just as shocked, hurt, and confused but why is that even a question?

— Southpaw Swade (@SouthpawSwade) June 18, 2015

Being black is unwieldy and awkward at times. I guess that's true of the entire human experience but man…

— Southpaw Swade (@SouthpawSwade) June 18, 2015

Those who are progressive in the area of race somehow leave behind those who aren't afforded the luxury to move on.

— Tedashii (@Tedashii) June 18, 2015

Progress of a few may very well be akin to progress for none.

— Tedashii (@Tedashii) June 18, 2015

Racially charged shooting in Charleston! This is crazy.. I pray for the families of those who lost their loved ones. #CharlestonShooting

— daramola (@itsdaramola) June 18, 2015

It seems that if the majority ignore the issue we all are required to do the same.
Moving on isn't the same as moving forward.

— Tedashii (@Tedashii) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/ButtaP/status/611434251242704897

Dear Body,
Can we admit now that this problem we have in America affects the church also? #Grieved #CharlestionShooting

— KING THI'SL (@Thisl) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/prophiphop/status/611566368190693376

Heavy. The weight of it all is heavy. https://t.co/BeBZvQ6aA7

— Lecrae (@lecrae) June 18, 2015

Mobilization and prayer! https://t.co/pzuF13lTtj

— KB (@KB_HGA) June 18, 2015

Law enforcement source tells News19 Charleston church shooting #CharlestionShooting suspect arrested in Shelby, NC (via @wltx)

— alex medina (@mrmedina) June 18, 2015

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 pic.twitter.com/Ux2AJk9esh

— #HighLevelRap (@NoMalice757) June 18, 2015

Today we mourn the 9 lives taken at Emanuel AME Church last night. Our prayers are with the families. #Charleston

— Reach Records (@reachrecords) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/1Gemstones/status/611552305901518848

Just now hearing about this Charleston shooting. It breaks & enrages my heart all at the same time. We need Men tht will lead us into action

— Natalie Lauren (@msnatalielauren) June 18, 2015

https://twitter.com/SPZRKT/status/611546874982481920

just heard about charleston – were praying for Gods peace.

— SOCIAL CLUB MISFITS (@SocialClubMSFTS) June 18, 2015

Man……. Praying & standing with the people of Charleston https://t.co/sWPuiNL5qL

— R-Swift (@officialrswift) June 18, 2015

The fallen world we live in is crazy. It’s important that believers aren’t stagnant when tragedies occur. Join us in praying for the victims and families affected by the church shooting.

Featured image via ABC News 4