Rock Hill Welcomes Chris Singleton to Share Powerful Message of Unity
Rock Hill recently had the honor of hosting motivational speaker Chris Singleton on September 17, 2024. Singleton’s visit to Winthrop University was not just another speaking engagement; it was an impactful reminder of resilience, forgiveness, and the power of love over hate. Singleton’s journey began in a tragedy that shocked the nation—his mother, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, was one of the nine victims of a hate crime that took place at the historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston in 2015.
A Day of Reflection and Empowerment
The atmosphere at Winthrop was electric, filled with eager students ready to absorb Singleton’s message. Over the course of three sessions, he shared his personal story, the grief of losing his mother, and the lessons he learned along the way. Singleton’s first public words after his mother’s death were a powerful declaration: “Love is always stronger than hate.” He emphasized that if we embrace love, we can push hatred aside. Listening to him speak, one could sense the passion and sincerity in his words.
“I’m privileged to do this,” he stated. “Some people struggle with that word, ‘privilege,’ but I remind them that I’m a young Black man who gets to speak to thousands of students each year.” Singleton’s mission goes beyond just sharing his story; it’s about inspiring change in mindsets and encouraging others to see the world through a lens of compassion and understanding.
Bridging the Divide
Singleton pointed out that while differing opinions are natural, where it becomes problematic is when people respond to disagreement with hostility. “Polarization is OK,” he explained. “It becomes toxic when we say, ‘Not only do I disagree with you, but I also dislike you as a person.’” His heartfelt call for unity resonated deeply with students and faculty alike, leaving them with much to ponder about the way we interact with one another in today’s divided society.
During his time in Rock Hill, Singleton’s message reached beyond just the university. He has spoken to various groups, including local police officers and teachers, fostering a sense of community and understanding. Debbie Garrick, a senior development officer at Winthrop, noted how impactful Singleton’s question was: if the individual who took his mother’s life had experienced the kind of mentorship that Chris has, could the outcome have been different? This thought-provoking idea not only highlights the importance of guidance and support but also emphasizes the urgent need for preventive measures in combating hate.
A Legacy of Love
Singleton has dedicated his life to ensuring that he represents everything his mother stood for. He made a promise to be the opposite of his mother’s killer. Reflecting on her legacy, he shared, “I want to help society acknowledge and bridge differences.” His ongoing mission aims to transform interactions, sparking conversations that lead to understanding rather than division.
As Rock Hill looks to the future, the motto “No Room for Racism” serves as a guiding principle. The city acknowledges its complicated past but is committed to making strides toward a more inclusive community. Singleton’s visit served as a reminder that there is always room for growth, healing, and unity through love.
Looking Ahead
As Singleton continues to inspire individuals across various platforms, his role as a speaker remains crucial. Whether he’s addressing students, professionals, or community leaders, his message is clear and unwavering: promote unity, foster understanding, and defeat hate with love. With every word he speaks, Singleton is not just sharing his journey but also igniting hope and encouraging others to join in the fight against polarization. Rock Hill is undoubtedly better for having heard his words, and we can only hope that his message continues to echo far and wide.
