Summer is on the horizon, and I’m finding it hard to believe we’re almost halfway through 2025. As I’ve mentioned before, this is a big year for Charleston magazine—the big 5-0!—and in our annual Summer issue, the celebrations continue. This time, it’s the jam-packed “We Dig Summer!” list of 50 ideas for getting out and enjoying all the season has to offer (page 82). Frequent contributor Lauren Johnson did a bang-up job unearthing interesting experiences, including a wellness sailing excursion, cheese-making classes on a John’s Island goat farm, and staycations in geodesic domes. Whether you like to play in the sand, dive into a good book, eat farm-fresh produce, commune with nature, chill out indoors, or all of the above, there’s something for everyone.
Speaking of “Summertime,” I received a pitch several months ago from Charleston native Ira Berendt, who wanted to share the story of his parents meeting famed composer George Gershwin while he was staying on Folly Beach to create the music for Porgy and Bess. What Ira wrote (“Rhapsody on Folly,” page 98) is a delightful reminiscence of their serendipitous encounter in 1934, and as he disclaims, “This story is theirs; the embellishments are mine.”
Sadly, this month also marks a milestone for the city: a decade since the horrifying murders of nine Charlestonians during their Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church downtown. For “Heartbreak & Healing” (page 106), editor-at-large Stephanie Hunt interviewed eight authors who have spent years researching and reflecting on the tragedy and compiled their thoughts on healing, forgiveness, where we are 10 years later, and progress for the future. My hope is that this feature helps longtime residents continue to process their feelings and grief and for newcomers to comprehend the gravity of the moment for our community. May we always strive to be better and remember the names of the Emanuel Nine: Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Clementa Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Simmons Sr., and Myra Thompson.
Darcy Shankland
dshankland@charlestonmag.com