TD Bank Group Grants $250,000 to Emanuel Nine Memorial

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TD Bank Group today announced a $250,000 grant for the Emanuel Nine Memorial. The grant will support the creation of a permanent memorial honoring the nine clergy and church members murdered at the Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015 – a tragic event, steeped in anti-black racism and hate.

“We’re humbled to be part of this effort to honor those lost,” said Shelley Sylva, Head of U.S. Corporate Citizenship at TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank. “We are committed to fostering productive conversations and bringing awareness to the importance of fighting against hate and building a diverse and inclusive world. This is a crucial step in building a society where all can thrive without fear of prejudice and hate. This memorial will stand as a representation of unity and the continued progress we must advance to create a more accepting and inclusive tomorrow.”

The Emanuel Nine Memorial honors the nine victims and five survivors of the tragedy that took place on June 17, 2015. The memorial will be located on the grounds next to the Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church, where community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on July 22, to honor and remember victims and commemorate the beginning of construction. It is expected to open in late 2024.

TD’s donation will support the construction of the memorial, along with the activation of social justice outreach programs that will focus on education, reconciliation and advocacy for the victims’ families. This grant is closely aligned with the TD Ready Commitment, TD’s corporate citizenship platform, which focuses on empowering and connecting communities and driving inclusion. To do that, TD works closely with organizations focused on building meaningful connections in their local community.

“The financial contribution by TD Bank Group will aid in the completion of the Memorial. This memorial will create a space for real dialogue and remembrance – both of which will remind us that we are one community, said Rev. Eric S.C. Manning, pastor of the Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church and co-chair of the Mother Emanuel Memorial Foundation. “As the pastor of Mother Emanuel and Co-Chair of the Memorial Foundation, I am immensely thankful for TD and its generous donation to the Emanuel Nine Memorial.”