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.
“There’s a feeling of outrage I believe. And disgust,” says church member Derrel Poole.
And for some, a new sense of vulnerability. “Man, if we’re not safe in a place of worship, where are we safe?” asks R.J. Davis.
Outside there was a visible sense of security. CMPD patrolled the church grounds along with another private security company. “We thought it would be a welcome presence. And a calming presence for the congregation,” says Bishop Phillp Davis.
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.
Members say they agree there need to be more frank conversations about racism. “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.
“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.
