Mother Emanuel AME Church is a historic African Methodist Episcopal church located in Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1816, it is one of the oldest AME congregations in the southern United States. The church is known for its significant role in the African American community and its rich history, including its involvement in the civil rights movement. On June 17, 2015, the church gained national attention when a tragic shooting occurred during a Bible study, resulting in the deaths of nine parishioners. This event highlighted issues of racial violence and sparked discussions about gun control and social justice across the nation.