A survivor recounts her chilling encounter with Dylann Roof during the Charleston church shooting. The unfolding chaos and fear in the historic church left a community in deep mourning. Emotional reflections reveal the extensive aftermath of grief and resilience as families honor those lost. A moving eulogy highlights themes of race and gun violence, while a memorial garden symbolizes hope and healing. This heartfelt tale showcases the strength of a community rising from tragedy.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Survivor's harrowing escape
Polly Shepard stayed at the church Bible study despite initial plans to leave, showing the pull of friendship and community duty.
During the attack, she hid under a table and courageously called 911, sharing vital information to help responders.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Survivor processes tragedy privately
Polly Shepard spent months in shock and avoided the media after the shooting, prioritizing family grieving.
She attended seven funerals, immersing herself in the community's mourning process before speaking out.
insights INSIGHT
Tragedy reveals societal blindness
The Charleston shooting exposed ongoing racial injustices that shape present-day society.
President Obama emphasized the need to confront these issues honestly and reflected on the tragedy's deep impact beyond gun violence alone.
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On 17 June 2015, white supremacist Dylann Roof attended a bible group at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States. As it was ending, the 21-year-old started shooting and killed nine people.
Polly Sheppard was one of the survivors. She called 911 whilst hiding from Roof. The shootings at the historic African-American church shocked a nation already too used to gun violence. President Barack Obama delivered the eulogy at one of the victim’s funerals and spontaneously started singing Amazing Grace. Ten years on since that day, Polly now 80, tells her harrowing story to Uma Doraiswamy.
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(Photo: A memorial outside the Emanuel AME Church. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images)
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