'Unite The Right' Rally Forced Charlottesville To Rethink Town's Racial History
Charlottesville, Va., is bracing for the anniversary of last summer's deadly white nationalist rally.
by Debbie Elliott
Aug 09, 2018
4 minutes
Charlottesville has long been known known as a charming college town — home to the University of Virginia and its founder Thomas Jefferson. After a deadly clash between white nationalists and counterprotesters on Aug. 12 last year, Charlottesville has become shorthand for racial strife.
"As a community I honestly feel more divided than ever, which is sad," says Michael Coleman, a 30-year-old musician and sales manager. He's African-American, and spoke while standing by the statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee that white nationalists came to defend from removal last year. The space brings reflection. "How it's been such a source of hate and turmoil and conflict," Coleman says.
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