DPVA Chair Statement on Anniversary of Unite the Right Rally

“Seven years ago on Aug 12th, white nationalists and neo-Nazis tried spreading their messages of hate and racism in Charlottesville. They tried to divide us and make a stain on our Commonwealth. But they failed. What I remember from that terrible day are the heroic people who sacrificed their lives to stand up to their hatred: Heather Heyer and VA State Police Lt. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke Bates. What I remember from that day are the hundreds of people who stood together to spread love in the face of their bigotry. What I remember from that day is that unity is stronger than division.

White nationalists are still trying to tear our communities apart. We must continue to stand together to reject all forms of extremism, racism, and antisemitism. We must stand up against Donald Trump's statement that there are 'very fine people' on both sides of white supremacy. And we must keep fighting to make our Commonwealth a place where everybody can thrive, no matter their identity.”