Charlottesville community holds events to support local business, honor victims of recent violence

After a day of violence in Charlottesville that led to three deaths and dozens of injuries, community members and local leaders have planned events to help the area begin to heal.

Many businesses in the Downtown Mall area felt the need to close on Saturday—and some on Friday night, as well—to protect their employees and customers. A rally to bring folks back into those storefronts is planned for Sunday afternoon, from 1 PM to 3 PM.

The Black Student Alliance at U.Va. and Congregate Cville, both of which organized many of the demonstrations in support of the Charlottesville and University communities over the weekend, has planned a vigil for Heather Heyer, the local woman killed on Saturday afternoon. The vigil will be held at 7 PM in Emancipation Park, with a procession from the Rotunda beginning at 6 PM.

If you’re not in the Charlottesville area, there are local justice-oriented non-profits that could use financial support, including Meals on Wheels, ARC of the Piedmont, and IMPACT Charlottesville, among others.

More than anything, be kind to one another. Be understanding of how we each are dealing with our hurt. Be a ripple of hope, and a center of energy and daring in support of the community we all love.