Photo Essay: Merced stands with Charleston

Organizers and community members gathered in Merced on June 24th to pay homage to the nine African-American victims killed at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. They staged the vigil in one of Merced’s more affluent neighborhoods, hoping they would grab the attention of passing traffic as well nearby residents. "During the vigil, the minute of silence was so powerful. Everyone bowed their heads to show respect and honor the nine lives that were lost in Charleston. The moment became historic because there was people from different ethnic backgrounds expressing their solidarity." The photo essay and more descriptions of the day are on We'Ced.