Weekend Wrap Up: Charlottesville

How do I sum up this weekend’s events in my beloved Charlottesville? My family drove home from vacation listening to and reading about the terror taking place in our city. We arrived to helicopters overhead and a declared state of emergency. We connected and cried with friends who attended a peaceful Saturday morning rally with clergy and left a few hours later because they felt scared; minority friends who stayed indoors or left town; another who was counter-protesting when a car plowed into pedestrians a mere 15 feet from where she was standing. These are heavy things. These are deep waters.

There is much to be said about the events from this weekend, and no shortage of commentary and written words from national outlets. But this morning, I want to give you a glimpse into the weekend’s events in Charlottesville from the people who live here:

“Yesterday I packed a bag and left my house in downtown Charlottesville to stay the weekend at my parents’ house. It was unsettling to be downtown yesterday feeling like I needed to be looking over my shoulder, to wonder what someone might say about me as I minded my own business and went about my life. The arrival of the alt-right supporters is obviously unsettling for many reasons, but nothing saddens me more than their existence, resulting in a sudden distrust of anyone I don’t know. As I enjoy this time with my family today, I’m prayerful this event won’t be a catalyst for anything else of its likeness. I’m praying for clarity and wisdom for law enforcement. I’m thankful to all the businesses downtown that are staying open to be a refuge for people who feel unsafe today, and more than anything, I’m grateful for two amazing parents who taught me to have a great sense of self, to respect and love others, and to know that God is greater than all things.”

“A white supremacist protestor attacks an ANTIFA counter-protestor with a flag pole in the smoke filled streets of downtown Charlottesville, VA.”

“Due to the declared state of emergency we have closed for the day. Stay safe.”

“Trying to explain to a five-year-old why there are helicopters above our house today. Trying to explain that there are people in the world who think they are better because their skin is lighter. This shouldn’t be.”

“‘It is not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless’ -L.R. Knost”

“Today Gray asked why some sunflowers are yellow and some are orange; he asked why he couldn’t touch the 3 (!) rainbows in the sky that we saw on our walk after dinner; and he asked what the helicopters that we saw and heard all afternoon were doing. So much innocence, so much sweetness and curiosity in this boy. So much love and acceptance and wonder for all that is different. Please don’t lose that about you sweet one. Please, please. Lord give me the grace to keep learning from my son. More angels, less helicopters. More courage and heroes and heroines, less pride and hate and pain. More deep breaths, less barely breathing. More open homes and sit downs over coffee, less division and cliques. More open hands, less clenched fists. More suggesting, less insisting. More wrestling with the tough things of life, less doing it the way it’s always been done. More grace, more forbearance, more wide eyes and hearts on fire for truth.”

“Today, while it appeared to be chaos throughout the city, for nearly four hours, I witnessed young brothers and a host of others give away nearly 100 book bags filled with supplies to kids and families in need, have games and music for the community, and provide a safe space for everyone to enjoy themselves. I am extremely proud of these young men and women, and their commitment to our community. Thanks for being a beacon of light today. Much love and respect.”

“Beta Bridge today. #wahoowa”

“We’re heartbroken over the hate and violence we witnessed over the weekend in our hometown, and are sending all our love and strength to our neighbors.”

I’ve been asked how we can help. Here are just a few organizations and funds worthy of your dollars:

Medical Fund for Comrades in Cville
Black Student Alliance at UVA
Legal Aid Justice Center
Solidarity Cville Anti-Racist Legal Fund
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)