For me, what happened in Charlottesville over the weekend was mind-numbing. I kept asking myself, really? In 2017? But yes, really, in 2017. And that confirms my privilege — that mine is not a daily worry of protection, or safety of wellbeing, or automatic support by my fellow Americans. I’m granted these safeguards because of the color of my skin while so many others are denied these every single day. Senator Kamala Harris wrote on Facebook yesterday: “Charlottesville exemplifies an undeniable reality that lurks just beneath the surface in this nation we love."

She went on to say “If we say this is not who we are, it’s on us to show that."

When emboldened and armed white supremacists gathered to march and spew hateful rhetoric, bigotry and violence in Charlottesville they were met with an outpouring of defense. And those defenders who chose to publicly and peacefully denounce hate were attacked by a domestic terrorist. One women died.

I have a choice to make. So do you. We that have the luxury choices, so we now must choose. To do more than be “shocked” and shake our head. Courage is hard. Showing up is hard. Speaking out is hard. Responsibility is hard. Peace is the hardest fought. Keep fighting. Be the Superhero Sidekick of helping.

Here’s where to start:

Search by zip code to find a Stand in Solidarity with Charlottesville event

Donate to the Charlottesville Chapter of the NAACP

Call your representatives to condemn what happened in Charlottesville

Support the Southern Poverty Law Center in their goal to teach tolerance

Support an inclusive community by donating to the Hillel branch at the University of Virginia

Connect with DREAMers on Grounds, the UVA chapter of

Donate to local grassroots organizations in Charlottesville, like Great Expectations and the African American Heritage Center

And, a comprehensive list of community pillars in Virginia that could always use assistance