The unveiling of a new state historical marker acknowledging the legacy of slavery in Charlottesville’s Court Square will take place next Monday, Mar. 3 at 2 pm. Everyone is invited to attend. The unveiling will include a ceremony with public officials, on the day the city has designated Liberation and Freedom Day.
Community
If You See Something, Say Something
We all have that adage engrained from terrorist attacks. Now many who have seen actions by the Trump administration that are contrary to the rule of law, to our traditions, and to judge’s rulings are saying something.
Hundreds turned out at the intersection of Preston Ave. and McIntire Rd., in front of the Albemarle County Office Building, to protest against the Trump administration on Monday, Feb. 24, from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. This protest was billed as family friendly and was organized, along with the successful Feb. 17 protest, by the Charlottesville Indivisible chapter. Some brought their children to help them understand that democracy is participatory and if something is wrong, it’s important to step up and say something. Reasons for protesting included specific concerns, such as the massive, crushing cuts to the federal government, ranging from USAID to the NIH to virtually all agencies, including thousands of IRS workers fired at tax time!
Concerns also included the bullying by unelected but all-too-powerful Elon of Musk, the shameful betrayal of Ukraine, and Pres. Trump’s positive view of Putin, lying for him about who started the war. Signs ranged from ‘Save our Democracy’ to ‘Save the Rule of Law’ to ‘Corruption Pays.’ It’s more important than ever: if you see something, say something! – Judith Shatin, Cville Dem
Back-to-back Indivisible Charlottesville Monday protests (against the Trump Administration’s actions executed by Elon Musk) drew crowds to the Albemarle County Office Building in downtown Charlottesville on Feb. 17 and Feb. 24.
Del. Katrina Callsen (above left, with Albemarle County precinct chair Kathe Falzer) was spotted at the Feb. 24 protest, among the many who attended that protest.
Thanks to all who participated, organized, and honked! 
Stand Up for Science Rally
Come to the Stand Up for Science Rally on March 7. Science is for everyone, and everyone benefits when the federal government supports scientific research.
Indivisible Charlottesville is mobilizing to keep science free from funding reductions, interference, and censorship by government officials, and from attacks on the diversity, equity, and inclusion that benefit our scientific community.
Family-Friendly Rally: Preserve Democracy for our Kids!
January Community Events Honoring Martin Luther King Jr.
Alex-Zan’s Dr. M.L. King Community Celebration: “Continuing His Dream & Works”
Monday, Jan. 20, 1-3pm, Carver Recreation Center
The 12th Annual celebration is coordinated by author, award winner and education trailblazer Mr. Alex-Zan (aka Charles Alexander). Highlights will include the presentation of the 10th Annual Alicia B. Lugo Award – Apostle Sarah Kelly; Guest Speaker – Brother Eddie Howard of Abundant Life Ministries. Vocalists Jamori Harris and Precious A. Bland, and Spoken Word/Psalmist Nikya Green will present. Alex-Zan’s Lifesavers will be there: Janet Martin, George Rivera, Tristan Kabesa, Martize Tolbert, and others. Mistress of Ceremonies will be Amaya Mitchell of NBC- 29.
Race, Gender, and the 2024 Electorate
Tuesday, Jan. 21, 11:00am-12:15pm, The Miller Center (also online)
In this post-election analysis, panelists will discuss the complex interplay of race, gender, and age demographics as they affected the election outcome. Participants will also consider obstacles to achieving a level playing field for everyone’s voting rights. Speakers: Andra Gillespie, Bertrall Ross, Kevin K. Gaines (moderator). For more info and registration click here.
MLK Jr. Day Community Celebration
Sunday, Jan. 26, 4pm, Mt. Zion First African Baptist Church
All are welcome to attend the 40th Anniversary of the MLK Jr. Day Community Celebration! Former Richmond Mayor (2016-2024) Levar Stoney will be the keynote speaker and highlight the theme “Legacy: Honoring the Past and Trailblazing the Future!” This celebration will reflect on past MLK Charlottesville Community Award recipients as well as highlight young community trailblazers. Enjoy the rousing singing of the community choir, as well as the addition of a new children’s choir. The gathering will begin at 4pm with a “prelude” of musical offerings from community members, followed by the main program at 5pm. Download and share this flyer if you’d like to help promote this event.
2025 Community MLK Celebration Keynote Address
Thursday, Jan. 30, 6pm, Paramount Theater
Michele Norris, award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most recognized voices in radio, will deliver the 2025 Community MLK Celebration keynote address, followed by an on-stage discussion with Melody Barnes, Executive Director of UVA’s Karsh Institute of Democracy. The event is presented by the UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in partnership with UVA’s School of Data Science and Karsh Institute of Democracy. Michele Norris will engage the audience in candid discussion about current events, social issues, and bridging the divide in America. This event is free and open to the public. More info and tickets are available via the Paramount Theater website.
Indivisible Charlottesville is Forming Working Groups
Around Thanksgiving time, progressive groups all over the country held reorganization/revitalization “Worth Fighting For” meetings to start preparing for Trump’s return to power. In Charlottesville, the meeting organized by Indivisible Charlottesville drew 150 attendees (!), including a good number of local Dems. Here’s the list of organizations, including ours, that were flagged as important to support.
Five issue action workgroups are now organizing and starting to meet in late January/February:
- Abortion Access/Reproductive Rights Protection
- Building Alternatives (organizing locally to transform power–climate, housing, gun safety, etc.)
- Climate Change/Protecting the Environment
- Defending Civic Institutions (safeguarding democratic institutions–elections, gov. agencies, etc.)
- LGBTQ+ Rights/Protection
You can get on the mailing list of one or more of these groups here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEKRjgEJPm32nEm53Yx57BrnzxfnLq1MbeatOvtOQERJcTmw/viewform
Every little bit of organizing we do makes a difference… momentum builds on momentum… by getting out there and taking action to help your community, you’ll see how much power is actually in your hands!
