This weekend marks the one year anniversary of the attacks by white supremacist groups in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the killing of counter-demonstrator Heather Heyer. As a German foundation addressing the dark chapters in our own history through international dialogue, these events prompted us to work closely with partners at the University of Virginia (UVA). Together, we have created an ongoing dialogue process with UVA faculty and students about the history of racial injustice in Europe and the United States, and about how societies teach and memorialize the past.
This Sunday, one year after the violence in Charlottesville, white supremacists will be gathering again, this time in front of the White House--only a few blocks from our office in Washington, DC. We know from our history where racial hatred and bigotry can lead. That is why we are heartened to see US civil society speaking out peacefully against white supremacy, and standing up for the inherent dignity of all human beings. The Heinrich Böll Foundation North America stands in solidarity with their peaceful protest in our common efforts to ensure minority rights, preserve open societies, and strengthen liberal democracy.
