On Charlottesville: Where To Start
Illustration via Medium
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
Recommended Articles
Aran Goyoaga on Cultivating Love in the Kitchen + Meringue Cake with Roasted Apples From Cannelle et Vanille Bakes Simple
"Set a humble table and eat beautiful simple food. Nothing has to be fancy. When you make yourself comfortable, your guests will feel comfortable."
November 2021 Tarotscopes
Dear Scorpio: You are capable of victory this month. The question is, what are you going to do with it?
Mixed Emotions: Casha Doemland Discusses the Impact of Racial Ambiguity on Personal Identity
“I don’t know how somebody can look at somebody, without knowing anything about them, and just project all this negativity that then turns into hate,” she says. “It’s hard for me cause I just don’t get it because I don’t look at anybody and feel that way.”
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
