Hundreds rally at Marshall Park to denounce injustices, honor Charlottesville victim

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of people gathered in Marshall Park in Charlotte Saturday for a vigil to honor the victim of the violence in Charlottesville, Va., Heather Heyer.

The event started with a vigil, but organizers from Charlotte Uprising broke it down into several different steps, including a chance for people to speak out on several injustices, including racism.

Organizers went on to list specific action steps on how to move forward.

“I hope that folks walk away understanding that they have to actively fight white supremacy,” said Ash Williams, an organizer. “It's not enough to not be a racist.”

At least a half dozen Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers were stationed near the event. Government leaders were in attendance, including Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts.

Participants lit candles or held up flashlights, and there was a moment of silence to honor Heyer.

Police said around 250 people attended and no arrests or crimes were reported.

From there, the conversation turned to a multitude of issues, including stands against racism and white supremacy, and standing for gender equality.

“When I come to Marshall Park, sometimes I think it’s great to come here for shows of unity, but it’s also sad to say that racist terrorism are so much a feature of our society,” said participant John Cox.

The rally lasted about an hour before the crowd cleared out of Marshall Park.

It was the second consecutive week groups held a vigil in Charlotte in response to Charlottesville.

Cox Media Group