On August 12th, groups of neo-nazis, white supremacists, and modern-day confederates rallied in the streets of Charlottesville on the campus of the University of Virginia. They were opposed by a group named the “Anti-Fascists” who also marched the campus protesting the ideologies of fascism and fight for the equality of all humans in the United States. The groups engaged in a showdown that resulted in violence that proved fatal for three people, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe said. The events of Charlottesville quickly became national news, and a darker side of American history was exposed. “It’s hard to see people feeling hate towards one another,” said WKHS Sophomore Joe Dargenio, “it gives you perspective on what it really means to be united.” The significance of the history of the southern Confederate Army became ostracized as the morales and values of the army came to light. The Confederate Army fought to revoke the law for the abolishment of slavery established by Abraham Lincoln. Slavery improved their quality of life, but denied slaves basic human rights that are entitled to all humans in the United States. The feud between the the groups present at Charlottesville continued the following days. HBO’s Vice News followed the leaders of the neo-nazi and white supremacists group. To view the VICE Video, please click here. CAUTION: The video content contains elements and language that may be unsuitable for some audiences. Viewer Discretion is advised. The United States was founded upon the idea that all men were created equal. It was also founded upon the right to free speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. That being said, nothing can be done to protesters as long as they remain peaceful. Since the events of Charlottesville, the United States has experienced yet another shell shocking event. Hurricane Harvey, a tropical hurricane that developed in the Atlantic Ocean and reached American soil. According to The Weather Channel, Harvey was a category four hurricane landed in the small town of Lockport Texas with winds of up to 135 mph. It moved along the eastern coastline flooding and destroying cities, including the city of Houston. The development of Hurricane Harvey and its route to the United States Photo credit: The Weather Channel Texas National Guard comes to the relief of a family whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Harvey. Photo credit: United States Air Force Broadcasts, images, and videos emerged from the cities showing the destruction and wreckage left behind by the hurricane created much deserved sympathy for the citizens of Texas. During this time, the protests and rallies came to a halt. The color of your skin, your religion, your sexual orientation, and your creed did not matter. An unexpected moderator, Mother Nature, moved our country into unity as people from all over the United States donated to the relief fund for the men, women, and children affected by Hurricane Harvey. “It seems to me that situations like this cause people to realize just how blessed they are,” says WKHS Junior Josh Blankenship. “It brings out the generosity in them.” The American Red Cross started a relief fund for the victims of the natural disaster and the relief fund has already raised “millions of dollars in donations” according to NPR. In addition to the Red Cross, professional athletes and celebrities have done their part to share the wealth including Sandra Bullock, Kevin Hart, Drake, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many others. The most notable effort has been from Houston Texans Defensive End, J.J. Watt. According to ESPN, Watt has self funded and promoted an effort for donations that has accumulated over $27 million from 160,000 people. He initially hoped to raise $200,000 in donations. "Just to see the snowball effect, and to see how much good there is out there, and how many people wanted to get involved was ... incredible," Watt said in an interview with Michael Strahan on “Good Morning America.” The relief fund continues as people return to their homes in Texas, and the donations continue to pour in. Houston Texans Defensive End, J.J. Watt, sat down with NFL Hall of Famer and Good Morning America co-host, Michael Strahan, about his efforts to raise money for the citizens of Houston. Photo credit: ABC News “It was amazing to see how J.J Watt and other celebrities stepped up and answered the call to donate,” said WKHS Senior Jake Hackathorne, “I think it really encourages all people to join the effort to help those in need.”
You can make a difference for those who effected by Hurricane Harvey. Donate today to the relief fund today.
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