Photo by Kayle Kaupanger
On Friday Aug. 11, 2017, a group of white supremacists, KKK members, and Nazi-sympathizers descended on Charlottesville, Virginia, torches in hand, to protest the removal of a Confederate statue and to “Unite the Right” and “take America back”, supposedly from non-white communities and anyone with whom they disagreed.
At a rally the following day, the groups clashed violently with counter-protesters who were there to stand against the demonstration and speak out against hate. At least three people were killed—32-year-old Heather Heyer, who died after one of the demonstrators allegedly rammed into the counter-protesters with his car, injuring at least 19 more; and two Virginia State Patrol officers whose helicopter went down just outside of town as they were assisting in police efforts.
The tragedy has left much of the country reeling.
Random Acts condemns any and all whose mission it is to divide the United States and its people.
We thoroughly denounce all forms of violence, hatred, bigotry, and discrimination, and are taking a stand against the racism that continues to pervade our society, even in 2017.
As an organization that values love and kindness above all, we refuse to remain silent as minority and oppressed groups are attacked or threatened. This latest clash in Charlottesville—which some have called an act of domestic terrorism—has only emboldened our efforts to make the world a better, more accepting, more open-minded place.
Photo by Jerónimo Bernot
We would ask that you, our supporters, do the same. Spend this week—and every week after—giving back to those in your own community who are overlooked or unfairly treated. Organize your own kindness demonstration to prove to the world that love and tolerance will always win in the end. If you can, donate to organizations that are working to establish a more equal, more just society, like the ACLU or the NAACP. Give blood, your time, or your voice if you’re on a strict budget. Call your elected officials and tell them you won’t tolerate any sort of violent discrimination, like the kind that manifested itself in Charlottesville this weekend.
Above all, we ask that you stand with us in stamping out hate. Use your words for good, use your talents to push for equality, and use the love in your heart to empower others to do what’s right.
Tell those who would divide the world that you won’t stand aside while they tear others down. Get kind and give back.
The world needs you now, more than ever.
Images: Kayle Kaupanger, Jerónimo Bernot