Professional Athletes Send Their Prayers To Those In Charleston

Pray for those in Charleston.
Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala speaks at a news conference after Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 14, 2015. The Warriors won 104-91. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala speaks at a news conference after Game 5 of basketball's NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, Calif., Sunday, June 14, 2015. The Warriors won 104-91. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

News of Wednesday night's church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina, sent shockwaves throughout the United States as many of us woke up to further developments.

Like so many others, athletes took to Twitter to send their prayers to South Carolina and demand we, as a nation, do better.

Living in a country that's been struggling with the intersection of racial tension and gun violence, the Charleston shooting -- allegedly conducted by a white gunman against a historic black church -- is yet another devastating event that's prompted swift and visceral reaction and important, if difficult, conversation.

Many athletes paid their respects with well-wishes and prayers.

Through prayer, others hoped for progress for the sake of future generations.

There were also actionable calls for justice, while identifying the Charleston gunman as a "terrorist."

Like many of us, the senselessness of it all was difficult for some to grapple with.

This makes no sense....I pray for all parties involved https://t.co/ZVNTp9jVs8

— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) June 18, 2015

Anger and frustration flowed throughout the responses.

But in a moment of darkness, Andre Iguodala reminded us to go back to the words of some of black America's greatest voices.

And most of all, there was the reminder that we must stand together.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misidentified the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina as a Baptist church. It is, as its name indicates, a Methodist church, established in 1816.

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Mourners In Harlem Hold Prayer Service And Vigil For Victims Of Charleston Church Shooting

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