Love & Forgiveness

Former professional baseball player Chris Singleton, whose mother was murdered along with eight other victims at Mother Emanuel AME church in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015 by a white supremacist, brings his message of forgiveness and unity to Brookdale Community College on Thursday, February 13. Singleton’s talk, “Overcoming the Unthinkable Adversity with Love & Forgiveness,” is part of Brookdale’s African American History events in February and is sponsored by the Office of Student Life and Activities.

“Love is stronger than hate, so if we just love the way my mom would, the hate won’t be anywhere close to where love is,” said Singleton.

Singleton inspired many following the murder of his mother, a teacher and pastor at the church, by forgiving the man who took her life and those of seven other worshippers gathered for Sunday services. A firm believer in the power of love and unity to overcome adversity, Singleton has delivered his message to more than 35,000 students across the nation. He has been the subject of features in several media outlets, including ESPN’s E:360, Sports Illustrated and USA Today.

Following a collegiate career at Charleston Southern University, Singleton was drafted by the Chicago Cubs organization. He played for the Cubs’ minor league affiliate for two seasons before retiring as a professional baseball player.

Singleton’s presentation will begin at 11:45 a.m. in the Navesink Rooms of the Student Life Center.