The Charleston Forum

The Charleston Forum is remembering the 10th anniversary of the Mother Emanuel AME tragedy by hosting an event featuring elected officials and community leaders for a powerful conversation on how our community has addressed issues exposed that day and what we have failed to address. This year’s program will be held at Charleston Music Hall on June 10, 2025 at 7 p.m.

The Charleston Forum, which has hosted annual events since 2017, strives to provide the community with ways to move forward together on otherwise divisive issues involving race. This year’s event will include panel discussions moderated by WCBD News 2 Journalist Carolyn Murray.
The Forum will host a community panel, showcasing local civic leaders, including:
● Reverend Eric S. C. Manning – Senior Pastor, Mother Emanuel AMEC
● Carl Ritchie – Sheriff, Charleston County
● Marcus McDonald – Lead Organizer, Black Lives Matter Charleston

There will also be a second panel for public officials, featuring key elected officials in the Charleston area, including:
● William Cogswell- Mayor, City of Charleston
● Scarlett Wilson- Solicitor, Ninth Judicial Circuit including Charleston and Berkeley Counties
● Representative Courtney Waters – South Carolina District 113

“As we reflect on the past decade, we are profoundly grateful for the partnerships we’ve built with community leaders and residents—partnerships rooted in open dialogue, shared learning, and mutual respect,” said Charleston Forum Board Chair, Brian Duffy. “This event continues that important work, honoring our collective history while shaping a more inclusive and connected future for the Charleston region.”