Thousands Sing 'This Little Light of Mine' and 'God Bless America' During Charleston Bridge March to Honor Massacre Victims
Dylann Roof is charged with nine counts of murder in Wednesday's massacre at the Emanuel AME Church
Organizers estimate that as many as 20,000 people gathered for the Bridge to Peace walk in Charleston, South Carolina, on Sunday evening, carrying American flags and bursting into random choruses of “This Little Light of Mine” and “God Bless America” in a show of solidarity for those slain in the Emanuel AME Church massacre last Wednesday.
People were laughing, smiling and high-fiving as they walked across the 2.5-mile Ravenel Bridge, which connects Charleston to Mount Pleasant. The only solemn moment came during a 9-minute period of silence for the nine victims gunned down by the alleged shooter, 21-year-old Dylann Roof.
Charleston native Stephen Colbert turned out for the emotional march, walking alongside his sister the Associated Press reports.
Ellie Fletcher, 14, of North Charleston, came with her mom and little brother. “I think what happened in our community is a really big tragedy, but I also think that it’s great to see that this is bringing us closer together,” she tells PEOPLE. “All ages and genders coming together to say, ‘Hey, we’re done with all this racism stuff.’ ”
Roof is charged with nine counts of murder in the slayings. He allegedly sat with his victims for an hour while they attended a Bible study class at the historic church.
“A good friend of my mom’s died at the church,” says Antina Field-Stewart, 26. “Tywanza was a friend too. We just wanted to show our support.”
Dmitri Ford, 61, of North Charleston, and Lorna Gethers, 55, of Mount Pleasant hung out along the route as the unity march went by. “Take down the rag!” Ford yelled, holding up a large flag depicting a black fist crumpling up the Confederate flag. The flag continues to hang in front of the Statehouse, despite many considering it a symbol of racism.
Next to him, Gethers called out, “One race, the human race!” Ford added: “We’re not going to let the haters defeat us!”
“Charleston strong! One race, the human race!” Gethers chanted.
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