WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 24, 2019) – NBA star Stephen Curry joined Howard University President Wayne Frederick and an excited campus audience for a special screening of the new documentary, Emanuel.
Emanuel tells the story of June 17, 2015, when a 21-year-old white supremacist opened fire during Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, killing nine people. The film intimately relates the sadness of survivors and their use of faith and forgiveness to heal.
The documentary, which Curry co-produced with actress Viola Davis, is scheduled to be released in theaters on June 17, the fourth anniversary of the tragedy.
Following the screening, Curry discussed the film with director Brian Ivie, and Jeron Smith, Curry’s business partner and a Howard University alumnus. Lauretta Charlton, an editor at The New York Times, moderated the discussion.
Survivors in the documentary share recollections from the day of the tragedy, including final moments of loved ones who were killed. Curry who grew up going to church in the South described the event as “the highest of tragedies.”
“It truly is a heartbreaking story,” Curry said. “I think the biggest thing that came out was how faith and forgiveness permeated families’ response to this tragedy. They chose forgiveness. They chose faith.”
Emanuel also contextualizes the church shooting with interviews about the city’s racial history and with examinations of contemporary issues, such as the fatal police shooting of Walter Scott which also happened there in 2015. The film also shares the storied history Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal, known by the community as “Mother Emanuel.” The church is treasured as a long-standing Black icon of the South, and a symbol of independence, self-assertion, and pride.
Dr. Frederick described the Emanuel massacre as “one of the most traumatizing moments” in the nation’s history. He commended Curry and other sports figures for embracing social justice. “We all know the impact on basketball they have. I am equally astounded by their commitment to service,” Dr. Frederick said.
For more information, go to: https://www.emanuelmovie.com/
About Howard University
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University visitwww.howard.edu
