We are very saddened by the tragic deaths of our fellow community members. They were so loving and dedicated to our community and are amazing example of what Charleston, South Carolina is all about. We are the Holy City and we are a unified city where we look out and love one another. Their deaths did not occur in vain. They all inspired us to be better people and to be a strong and caring community. Instead of this tragedy dividing us as intended, it unified us as never before. Our undying love for our city and humanity over-poured as we celebrated their lives and honored their legacy in Charleston, South Carolina. They were all amazing examples of how Charlestonians, South Carolinians, and Americans should be and live. I am petitioning we honor their lives in an exemplary way by renaming the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to the Mother Emanuel Unity Bridge. I urge the South Carolina legislature to take this into consideration at their next session in order to honor the lives of these inspiring people in Charleston, South Carolina. Thank you!

Removing a negative piece of history that should not be portrayed as something good for all people.

Confederate symbolism lives on the flags of seven state governments (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee). This is not only a mockery to millions of citizens that live under these banners but it is a reminder that America is unwilling to rid itself of its troubled past. Symbols of secession should no longer be permitted to fly over state houses that are supposedly an embodiment of the values of all its citizens and that of the United States. Why stop at the removal of the Confederate flag in front of the South Carolina state house? Lets make sure that these symbols of hate and systemic racism are no longer used in our country.

Following last week’s attack on Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. and a Supreme Court ruling giving states discretion over what appears on license plates, the governors of Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee have stated their commitments to taking the Confederate flag off speciality state license plates. Five more states offer license plates that bear the emblem—Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Add your name to the petition telling them to remove it. Whatever its benign significance to some people, the Confederate flag historically signifies an era of slavery and oppression, and is a rallying symbol for white supremacists and those fearful of progress. Displaying it on government issued license plates is unnecessarily divisive and hurtful. Sign the petition: Take the Confederate flag off state-issued license plates.

DSS is not doing what is needed to get children what they need when they place us with people. Some are bad and some are good. I've been in DS for seven months now, and I would like to see a DSS clean up. There needs to be more foster homes available. What we go through being in DSS is sometimes worse than in our original homes. We have no say in what happens with us. I'm fourteen, and I was taken because my mom went to jail for pdc and they told me I would be out in two days, which turned into 7 months. I would like to get someone to look at things from the children's eyes. Please listen to what we have to say.

Elected officials have no business supporting symbols of hate.

It's time for change in Charleston. Black and white must come together to rid our city of symbols of white supremacy and segregation. Street names should be bestowed on individuals deserving of honor. Americans of all colors can agree that John C Calhoun does not deserve such an honor in our city, especially after the tragic events at Emanuel AME Church which has to endure the indignity of having as its address the name of such a man like John C Calhoun. Charleston's children growing up in this city deserve better individuals to honor than Calhoun, and Rev Clementa Pinckney is one such name.

"GOODWILL is the monarch of this house. Men, unacquainted, enter, shake hands, exchange greetings, and depart friends. Cordiality exists among all who abide within." That quote is from an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., poem, "House of Alpha." South Carolina State Senator Clementa Pinckney was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. This petition is in honor of him and the other eight souls lost due to racism, so that we can heal America's racial divide that has left us all so unacquainted.

Christopher Columbus ordered his men to rape and murder our Native women and children! He ordered his people to kill the Native children for dog food. He and his people brought disease such as smallpox to the Natives and nearly wiped out a whole race. Is this OK? Is this a man that should be honored by having a holiday? Even having schools closed for this day? It's a shame and it's a disgrace! It can't be said it's because "he" (Columbus) discovered America because the NATIVE AMERICANS were already here long, long before he set sail. So therefore I am asking for Columbus Day to be abolished. What people would want to celebrate a day in honor of such a mean man? Really think about that!

Changing the State flag which is reminiscent of the Confederate flag. Many people in our diverse State are deeply troubled by this daily reminder of a racially fractured past.

It's time to no longer let our past define us.

As a native of Atlanta, Georgia and a 'Grady baby,' I know the fights that have taken place in the state about the Confederate flag. Having a flag for the State that is the very first national flag of the Confederacy spews hate 24 hours a day. It must be retired in a museum and a new flag created WITHOUT ANY reference to the Confederacy.