Sharon Risher

Sharon Risher South Carolina Department of Education

Rev. Sharon Washington Risher is the daughter of the late Ethel Lance. Previously a hospital chaplain and now a sought-after speaker, Sharon released her book “For Such a Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness After the Charleston Massacre” in June 2019. Her documentary “Quiet No More” was released by The New Yorker and won several awards. Sharon now lives in Charlotte, NC, where her two adult children (Howard Brandon and Aja’ Sharnee) and her two grandsons reside, along with her two fur babies, Milo and Lee.

What do you wish everyone knew about your mother, Ethel? How have you sought to continue her legacy?

My mother was a woman of great faith. She sought solace from her beliefs, as she faced many challenges in life with fortitude and authenticity. Her work ethic was beyond reproach. She was employed by the City of Charleston and retired after 38 years of dedicated service. She believed that everyone should get as much education as possible. A high school dropout earned her high school diploma. That led to two of her children graduating college and several grandchildren with college and advanced degrees. I continue to be a faith leader urging congregations and others to use their faith as a tool toward advocacy in their communities. My work with advocating for common sense gun laws and to abolish the death penalty is my way of preserving the legacy of why that tragedy happened in that church and how all of us have an obligation to continue to talk about racism and learning to love one another. My work and Ethel’s legacy will be something her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to read about in the history books. I want Momma and the eight others who were killed with her to be remembered and that the work I have done will speak for me.

While being confronted with evil and immense loss, you have accomplished great feats. Tell us about your personal journey of growth in the decade after June 17, 2015.

My journey since 2015 has been challenging. Faced with issues of racism, white supremacy, and gun violence, I could not wrap my mind around why someone could perform such a heinous act. Because I did not live in South Carolina at that time, I was overwhelmed with the press wanting to speak with me, before I had a chance to get to SC. Shortly after, I related to Everytown for Gun Safety and found my voice as an activist and began the journey of becoming a gun violence activist. I have travelled across this country speaking with churches, schools, colleges, and universities, telling the story of what happened in Emanuel and how we all have a responsibility to make sure we are all safe, especially our children. My advocacy work has taken me to the White House on several occasions and I have written op-eds and have appeared on national platforms both media and print. This work gives me purpose.

What words of encouragement or advice would you give students who are faced with struggle and tough times?

My advice to students struggling and facing tough times: always, always, talk to someone you feel you can trust, even if it is a friend. If you feel you do not have a person in your life you feel you can trust, find someone. Allow yourself to know you are valuable and you can thrive, if you make it known you need help. I want them to know you are not alone, there is always a person in your life, in your school, church, or community, I believe who will listen to you. Do not tell yourself you are alone, no one cares. Do not ever give up on yourself. Do not be afraid to share your feelings and ask for help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but shows strength. It is true, you can be whatever you want to be, yet be prepared to know, only you can make your dreams come true.

What gives you hope for the future?

All my life growing up in Charleston, I saw African Americans show a remarkable ability to overcome challenges, adapt, and be innovators. This resilience from my ancestors and the American people gives me an optimism about our capacity to love one another despite our differences. Our young people are more willing to be informed and educated about all the challenges we face as a country. And that the younger generation are globally connected. They are increasingly involved in social justice, environmental sustainability, and political movements, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to critical issues. All of this gives me hope for the future.