Descendant of Gen. Robert E. Lee to Keynote ‘A Remembrance Service of The Emanuel 9’ In Durham
Durham, NC – St. Joseph AME Church presents “A Service of Lament and Reconciliation: Remembering The Emanuel 9.” During Bible Study on June 17, 2015, in Charleston, South Carolina, a white supremacist entered Mother Emanuel AME Church, sat down among parishioners for 30 minutes as if he was interested in the day’s Bible lesson, and proceeded to slaughter them. The incident shocked the nation and led to many discussions on race relations. So much so, the Confederate flag that flew over the South Carolina state capitol was removed by then-Governor Nikki Haley. Still, the pain of that day has unfortunately turned into many others, further exacerbating the racial divide.
Dr. Jay Augustine, St. Joseph’s Senior Pastor and event organizer, has brought to together Dr. Mindy Douglas, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Rabbi Matthew Soffer, Judea Reform Synagogue, Rev. Scott Anderson, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, along with representatives from the Duke Center for Reconciliation and Office of Black Church Studies to support Reverend Robert W. Lee, a descendant of the infamous General Robert E. Lee. Rev. Lee is determined to right the wrongs committed by his most famous relative.
Dr. Augustine stated, “The Christian nationalism and the white supremacy evidenced on that horrible June 2015 evening in Charleston has grown over the last few years. Here in Durham, Blacks and whites, as well as Christians and Jews are working with Duke Divinity School to both educate and empower, to bring and to end all forms of ‘Otherism’ in America.”
WHO: St. Joseph AME Church, hosting Rev. Robert W. Lee, a descendant of General Robert E. Lee, Social Justice Advocate
WHAT: A Service of Lament and Reconciliation–Remembering the Emanuel 9
WHEN: Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 6:30 pm
WHERE: 2521 Fayetteville Street, Durham 27707