Families of Charleston church shooting victims lead rally

CHARLESTON, South Carolina  — The pastor of a Charleston church where nine African-American worshippers were shot to death earlier this year led a march Saturday of goodwill, remembrance and hope for the triumph of good over evil.

Flanked by relatives of the slain parishioners, as well as the father of a black man killed by a white law officer, the Rev. Norvel Goff of Charleston's Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church led hundreds through the streets of the city.

Goff led the crowd of several hundred in singing "We Shall Overcome," as many participants — black and white — lifted their hands in a show of unity.

During the march, organized by a labor union as part of several events known as Days of Grace, participants waved signs covering a variety of issues and demands, such as "Disarm the police!"

Goff was joined by the father of Tywanza Sanders, who was among the nine killed at the church by a white gunman who authorities say was motivated by racial hatred, and Walter Scott, an unarmed black man shot and killed while running from a white officer.

Both accused shooters are awaiting trial.

"My heart still hurts every day," said Nadine Collier, her T-shirt bearing a portrait of her mother, Ethel Lance, one of the church shooting victims.

"You took something precious away from me ... but I forgive you," she added, repeating what she said at the hearing of Dylann Roof, the accused shooter.