Statement from Mike Tidwell, director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN), following the unspeakable acts of violence and hatred in Charlottesville, Virginia, on Saturday August 12th. Hundreds of white supremacists — brandishing clubs, guns, and Confederate flags — clashed with counter protesters, resulting in three dead and dozens injured.
Statement:
“No words can describe the shock and revulsion felt by Americans nationwide after the events in Charlottesville Saturday. But for those of us who work daily for positive social change in Virginia, the sorrow is still deeper. We at CCAN pray for the families of the deceased and injured. We pray for the law enforcement authorities whose job it is to protect citizens and the city in the difficult days ahead. We condemn utterly the forces of intolerance, hate, terror, and white supremacy that triggered these events on Saturday. We cannot build a truly just society in this country without first building and protecting a system of justice for ALL Americans. We certainly cannot hope for lasting environmental justice without first guaranteeing social and political justice for everyone. Wherever you are, in Virginia or nationwide, we urge you to raise your voice in the wake of this incident. Join a vigil of solidarity near you or plan a vigil where you live. And for those of us in the environmental community, we must continue to seek greater inclusion and diversity in our movement. To fully participate in the healing and understanding and reconciliation ahead, we must continue to actively diversify our own staffs and our boards and to deepen our daily commitment to all communities struggling to throw off the yoke of political oppression and intimidation. No balance – ecological or otherwise – can happen unless we all stand on the scales of justice.”
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Contact:
Denise Robbins, Communications Director; denise@chesapeakeclimate.org; 240-396-2022
