Helping the healing: Youth group from Charleston church visits Atlanta
The Atlanta community came together on Monday to give some of the youngest members of Charleston's Emanuel AME Church a unique experience.
Members of the church’s youth group traveled from Charleston to Atlanta, part of a previously scheduled weekend excursion. But the members of Big Bethel AME church wanted to make this visit extra special following the trauma caused at one of the oldest churches in America.
Nine members of their congregation were murdered during bible study just a month ago and wounds within the faith community are still fresh. This is why Atlanta residents went out of their way Monday to create happy memories and help the healing process with a special luncheon.
Atlanta Falcons star Julio Jones and some of his teammates made a surprise appearance at Big Bethel AME church as part of the visit. Jones signed autographs and posed for pictures during the luncheon. He was glad to do something for the kids given their summer marred by tragedy.
"This could have happened anywhere and I look at it like it could have happened back on in Alabama, and you have to show people you support them and you are here for them,” said Jones.
The Charleston group returned home late Monday afternoon.