A Decade On: The Enduring Power of Obama's 'Amazing Grace' Eulogy in Charleston

Ten years ago today, President Barack Obama delivered a powerful eulogy for Rev. Clementa Pinckney and eight other victims of the tragic Emanuel AME Church shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. The solemn occasion at the College of Charleston arena became a defining moment of his presidency when Obama spontaneously led attendees in a chorus of "Amazing Grace." Reflecting on the event, Rev. Al Sharpton described it as a pivotal point that "defined his presidency." Sharpton noted that Obama's decision to sing the hymn transformed the atmosphere, lifting not only those in attendance but also resonating through the pages of history. "I knew that if I just hit the first bar, then the organ was going to come in behind me," Obama is heard saying in archival footage, recalling his thought process. "The clergy would stand, the congregation would join in. That it would no longer just be about my voice, but it would be about all of our voices together, lifting each other up." The collective singing of "Amazing Grace" symbolized unity and healing in the face of profound tragedy, solidifying its place as a memorable and impactful moment in American history.