In the aftermath of the tragic events in Charlottesville this past Saturday, we’ve already learned of three fatalities and over 30 injuries resulting from a horrific attack during a white nationalist rally. Among the victims was a woman who lost her life, and several others are facing serious injuries due to the actions of an alt-right demonstrator. The community is left shaken, grappling with the aftermath, and it’s clear that they need our collective support.
Many are searching for ways to help, and fortunately, there are actionable steps we can take right now to assist the victims, their families, and the city of Charlottesville. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.
Support the Victims
One of the victims, Sarah Miller, tragically lost her life when a white supremacist drove into a crowd of anti-hate protesters. Sarah was just 32 and known for her unwavering commitment to social justice. While her GoFundMe page has reached its goal (a silver lining amidst the tragedy), numerous others are in dire need of support due to their injuries from the attack and related violence.
- Emma Thompson and her 13-year-old daughter, Lily, were both injured during the assault. Emma was struck by the vehicle and required hospitalization, while Lily suffered a fractured arm. You can assist with their medical costs here.
- Maya Rodriguez, a 20-year-old from Dallas, sustained a fractured skull along with other injuries and lacks health insurance. You can help cover her medical expenses here.
- Chris Johnson, 20, was viciously attacked by white supremacists in a parking lot, facing severe injuries after being beaten with metal rods. Support Chris here.
- Contribute to the GoFundMe Medical Fund for Charlottesville victims, which has raised over $150,000 to assist all affected individuals.
Support Local Organizations
Charlottesville is in need of extensive healing, and it’s crucial to bolster local groups as they work to rebuild.
- Donate to the Charlottesville Victim Relief Fund, created by local community members to support victims of the attack and others impacted by the rally.
- Support the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP (Branch 7057), which has a longstanding commitment to advocating for communities of color.
- Consider donating to the Student Alliance at UVA, where the rally took place, to help anti-hate initiatives within the university.
- Help the Brody Jewish Center at UVA, which aims to support Jewish individuals facing targeted hate.
- Fund the IMPACT Charlottesville, an interfaith organization that champions social justice causes.
- Back the local Black Lives Matter chapter, which is vital in this moment of crisis.
Support National Social Justice Organizations
Now is also a critical time to lend support to national anti-hate organizations that work tirelessly to prevent such acts of violence from recurring. Consider donating to the Southern Poverty Law Center or the NAACP.
Additionally, it’s essential to reach out to your representatives, urging them to demand a stronger response from the president regarding the hate that emerged in Charlottesville. We must take a stand against this disturbing wave of bigotry, racism, and violence.
This is a time for action, and we must do everything we can to combat this horrifying level of hate and aggression.
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Summary
Charlottesville is grappling with the aftermath of a tragic white nationalist rally, which resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities. There are immediate ways to support victims and local organizations, as well as national anti-hate groups. It’s critical to take action now to promote healing and prevent future acts of violence.