doi:10.7916/7d3q-9c98Oral history interview with Kylon Jerome Middleton, 2021Middleton, Kylonoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesMassacres--South CarolinaMass shootings--South CarolinaAfrican American churchesGun control--United StatesFirearms--Law and legislation--United StatesAfrican Americans--Crimes against--South CarolinaHate crimes--South CarolinaRacism--South CarolinaUnited States Race relationsMiddleton, KylonObama, BarackEmanuel AME Church (Charleston, S.C.)Kylon Middleton recounts his experience as senior pastor of Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Georgetown, South Carolina, and discusses his lifelong friendship with state senator Reverend Clementa Pinckney, one of the nine victims of the 2015 mass shooting at Mother Emanuel AME in Charleston, South Carolina. Middleton focuses on the role of the Black church in social justice, and describes how he campaigned for Obama, whom he saw as a unifier. He recounts Obama's eulogy at the funeral for Clementa Pinckney, which included a moving rendition of "Amazing Grace." Reflecting on his work to co-create the Pinckney Foundation, Middleton outlines his advocacy for gun control and his recent election to county council. Also discussed are Middleton and Pickney's deep connection as young pastors, Obama's use of the language of faith, and Middleton's hope for Pickney to be remembered as someone who truly served humanity