Early in my career, I spent time in Columbia, SC. On June 17th, 2015, in the neighboring town of Charleston, nine people were shot inside the Emanuel A.M.E. church. That event shook me deeply. There was nothing I could do to change the outcome of such a senseless, violent act. But as a songwriter, I could write about it. So I vowed to memorialize those nine individuals through song. I created a music video to honor them, name them, and show the beautiful bright smiling faces of those we lost – those “Emanuel Nine.” 

 

I invite you to take a moment and watch the music video of “I Will Rise.” Like it and share it broadly. Get to know the names and faces of the individuals whose lives were cut short. And get to know the strength and courage of their community and families. Their own words form the basis of the chorus – “Hate can’t win if love survives.”

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We do remember. Love will survive.