For months, Charleston city leaders have collaborated with Emanuel AME Church officials to decide how to honor the nine lives lost.
They created Victory in the Valley, a 12-day memorial event, which started Wednesday.
An ecumenical service honoring the victims is set for 10 a.m. at the College of Charleston's TD Arena. It's the same venue where President Barack Obama last year led the congregation in "Amazing Grace" during a funeral for the church's pastor, state Sen. Clementa Pinckney.
More events are planned throughout the day, including a community supper, a summit, worship services and opportunities for the community to discuss how to move forward after the tragedy.
The shooting on June 17, 2015, Pinckney's life along with the lives of eight others: Cynthia Marie Graham Hurt, 54; Susie Jackson, 87; Ethel Lee Lance, 70; Depayne Middleton-Doctor, 49; Tywanza Sanders, 26; Daniel Simmons, 74; Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, 45; and Myra Thompson, 59.
Since the shooting, many of the affected families have said they forgive the gunman, identified by police as Dylann Roof.
Rev. Betty Deas Clark at Emanuel AME said that forgiveness gives them the strength to move forward.
"Time is so special, because time brings about healing," she said. "In order for us to wake up every morning, to live through the day, we do not need the burden of unforgiveness."
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