Back in August 2017, Charlottesville, Virginia made international headlines as images of a Unite the Right rally, went awry. Millions of people across the globe were left stunned as young white males donning khaki pants, polo shirts and, carrying tiki torches, chanted racist and antisemitic slogans – “You will not replace us!” “Jews will not replace us!” “Blood and soil!” and “White Lives Matter!” – a bold display of White Supremacy.
Now here we are, just five months later, as Charlottesville jas just elected their first Black female mayor, community activist Nikuyah Walker. Walker, an independent candidate, was voted in to the part-time role 4-1 by the Charlottesville City Council, with and Heather Hill for vice mayor.
Many will view Walker’s appointment as a much need change in direction, as the city has faced heavy criticism for their handling of the riots. Recently, Police Chief Alfred Thomas was forced to resign over his treatment of the neo-nazi groups, appearing to show them special treatment.
Following the events in Charlottesville over the summer, Walker had challenged then mayor, Mike Signer, who intended on having the usual council meeting following the recent atrocities, asking him – “Why did you think that you could walk in here and do business as usual after what happened on the 12th?”
The city has voted a mayor in who will ask the right questions and is not afraid to confront the important issues head-on!
We made history last night and then we got to work. #MayorNikuyahWalker #Charlottesville pic.twitter.com/CJIpoPKFMz
— Mayor Nikuyah Walker (@NikuyahWalkerCC) January 3, 2018
