Too many times we have mourned the senseless killing of people for nothing more than racial intolerance.

There are those who will tell you racism is dead. There are those who will denounce you if you point out racism in this country. But today we mourn the loss of nine innocent souls taken from us far too early simply because of the color of their skin.

There are those who profit from promoting the dialogue of division rather than one of unity. One can only wonder what truths their souls will offer them today when they look in the mirror. Because today nine innocent souls were taken from us far too early simply because of the color of their skin.

There is no mistaking the fact that as a country we are in a better place today than were yesterday and we are marching forward toward tomorrow more and more united as a people. Bonded by our humanity, together as one, all races and all colors. As we march forward slowly we are casting aside those who look to divide us but our progress would be for naught if we did not understand that we are still a long way from the promised land, that there is still much work to do. We must remain vigilant, we must not be afraid to speak up in the face of injustice and discrimination. We must continue to call out and point fingers at those who seek to divide humanity. Because as today points out evil still lives among us.

Nine lives taken too soon-my prayers go out to their families and friends.