June 17 will be one year since the tragic shooting at Mother Emmanuel AME Church. On that fateful evening nine innocent people were gunned down in a house of worship because of the color of their skin. The Palo Alto community will gather together to remember this tragedy and pray for the future of race relations in our country. This moment of remembrance and hope is open to all faith communities.

When we talk about race, I wish I could say that one year after this tragedy we are in better place as a country, but unfortunately we are not. The current incendiary political rhetoric and the general sense of uncertainty in our country has created an atmosphere where those who operate in fear and hate are flourishing.

We as a community need to continue to take a stand. The first way we can do this is to show our unity and come together. As we gather, we will affirm our unity across our diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic differences. This will serve as a powerful sign to those who traffic in fear and wish for us to be divided.

Please join me for a one hour candlelight service.

Hope to see you there!
Rev. Kaloma A. Smith
Pastor, University AME Zion Church
Palo Alto, CA