Week on the Web June 20 2015

When you think things are desperate, but perhaps there are glimmers of hope, you turn around and here comes the news from Charleston. Worse than you could imagine. Nine people shot and killed while worshipping, praying for good and most likely blessing us all.

 The prayer vigil at the Shorter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church (photo) speaks for a community attacked at its heart. 

 Michelle Obama expressed her sorrow from Europe where she has been visiting world leaders with daughters Sasha and Malia.

Charleston, the USA and the world grieve

A state of grace for the victims killed ruthlessly racistly by a dead-eyed -- and deadly-- white 19-year-old. The only comfort. The entire world grieved with the families of the Charleston victims:

Depayne Middleton Doctor

Cynthia Hurd

Ethel Lance

Susie Jackson

The Rev. Clementa Pinckney

Tywanza Sanders

The Rev. Dr. Daniel Simmons Sr.

Sharonda Coleman-Singleton

Myra Thompson

Read The Root story about the victims here. http://bit.ly/1K2o0vj

 Henry Louis Gates wrote about Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney in the New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1fnS7jZ

Nas spoke to Vibe about the tragedy, and was reported in HipHopnMore: http://bit.ly/1MURB7C

The Guardian reported that Rick Perry called it an accident. That's the governor of Texas and a want-to-be Republican presidential candidate: http://bit.ly/1MUPj8l

VIDEO: And here's Jon Stewart on the Daily Show

And President Obama is furious, Democracy Now reports

Incredibly, heartbreakingly family members stood up one by one to forgive the accused murderer who stood in a prison cell during the arraignment:

The Skanner's Christen McCurdy recognized that attacks like this can affect our health both mental and physical. Her story offers numbers to call. http://bit.ly/1Rj6SQU

Portland has been having a rough summer when it comes to shootings and violence. This week The Skanner's Donovan Smith learned what policing looks like from a police car. http://bit.ly/1NcUtNY

Here's Donovan's story on recent shootings and the state of community policing in Greater Portland. http://bit.ly/1IqmXj2

 VIDEO: Dr Dre's I need a Doctor

DJ Devi remix: "I need a doctor"

VIDEO: Parenting at its best
This video may not be the highest quality in visual entertainment, but it sure gives us a high quality talking to. Watch it and see.

Medal of Honor

Winding up the week, The Skanner's Helen Silvis spoke to KBOO radio’s Veterans Voice about WW1 Harlem Hellfighter Henry Johnson. President Obama awarded Johnson a Medal of Honor 100 years after his acts of exceptional bravery. Racial discrimination in that era meant no Black veterans were recognized for America’s highest award. Helen wrote 10 stories for The Skanner about the war hero during the campaign to honor him. She says Commissioner Nick Fish and his staff, Sen Wyden, Sen Charles Schumer and his staff  worked hard for five years to secure the honor for Henry Johnson.

Listen to the broadcast here: http://bit.ly/1Sy3ggc