West Chester Holds Vigil In Solidarity With Charlottesville

WEST CHESTER, PA — A vigil in solidarity with Charlottesville in the wake of this weekend's violence was held in West Chester on Sunday night. It was one of at least four such large-scale events that either have been or will be held in the Philadelphia area.

Hundreds of residents gathered on High Street at 7:30 p.m. for the "Sunset Vigil."

"That these groups feel their way of life - the worship of confederate idols, the notion that any race is superior to others - is dying, is a sign of the slow, painstaking progress we’ve made as a country to move beyond our oppressive past," organizers with Indivisible Chester County said. "We have so much more work to do to move towards liberation, and we will not let their hatred hold us all back.It’s important that we unite and send a message to other racists and fascists out there: we will win, and we are bonded together in our commitment against oppression."

Participants held candles during the event, which was described by many as "quiet" and "peaceful."

Several other demonstrations are slated in the area, including a vigil Thursday at Memorial Park in Pottstown and protest Friday in downtown Phoenixville.

Patch file photo