CHARLOTTE, NC – Like any other Sunday, the sounds of worship filled Nations Ford Community Church. But even in Charlotte, people can feel the pain of what happened in Charleston.
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“There’s a feeling of outrage I believe. And disgust,” says church member Derrel Poole.
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And for some, a new sense of Β vulnerability.Β “Man, if we’re not safe in a place of worship, where are we safe?” asks R.J. Davis.
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Outside there was a visible sense of security. CMPD patrolled the church grounds along with another private security company.Β “We thought it would be a welcome presence. And a calming presence for the congregation,” says Bishop Phillp Davis.
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Davis spent much of his time on the pulpit talking about Charleston. He says there’s a need to come together and acknowledge racial issues.. no matter how difficult it might be.Β
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Members say they agree there need to be more frank conversations about racism.Β “We need to address this, so we as a society can go forward. As a nation, as a community can go forth,” says Tamma Simpson.
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“In 2015, I wouldn’t expect this. In 1965, with the bombing of black churches, yeah. I thought we had come further than that. Obviously, I was wrong,” R.J. Davis says.
