Remembering Heather Heyer
Amplify her by defending the marginalized, intentionally and purposefully
Heather Heyer. Say her name when speaking of the courageous, bold and tireless civil rights fighters now. Repeat her words: “If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.” Commemorate her life with a statue. She deserves the attention and praise following the rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Let’s not diminish the person she was nor forget her sacrifice.
It has taken me time to digest all that has occurred surrounding recent events in Charlottesville. I wish I could say I was surprised by the violent, overt racism displayed. I wish I could say I was surprised by the delayed response and condemnation from our nation’s leaders. Although I am once again disappointed, I am not surprised. The pain I feel from this tragedy almost has become normalized.
However, I cannot remain silent about 32-year-old Heather, a paralegal who was run down at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville this past week. I will not allow our nation’s leaders to simply label her as a victim of violence, thus giving white supremacists the victory they eagerly seek. Heather’s life symbolized more. She was not at that rally by coincidence. She was not at the wrong place at the wrong time, and she was not just some bystander. Heather lived her convictions, fighting against hatred and bigotry. Her presence at the rally was intentional and purposeful.
Heather lived her convictions, fighting against hatred and bigotry. Her presence at the rally was intentional and purposeful.
Heather was known as a fighter for equality and justice among friends and family. She reminded people to stay woke during these troubling times prior to attending the Charlottesville rally to counterprotest hate. Heather and her fiance, Marcus Martin, stood together at the rally in defiance of white supremacy. That is much more than most of us can say.
Susan Bro, made a comment the day before she buried her daughter, Heather, which resonated with me before I put my thoughts down:
“Although Heather was a caring and compassionate person, so are a lot of you,” Bro said. “And I think the reason that what happened to Heather has struck a chord is because we know that what she did is achievable. They tried to kill my child to shut her up. Well guess what? You just magnified her.”
Heather stands as a modern-day Viola Liuzzo, the Michigan housewife who also died battling hatred, racism and bigotry.
Heather stands as a modern-day Viola Liuzzo, the Michigan housewife who also died battling hatred, racism and bigotry. Heather’s fight has, indeed, been magnified, and it is important for us to uplift and recognize her role defending those who are discriminated against and marginalized. It’s one thing to comment about this country’s history of racism via computer in the comfort of your home. It takes true courage to stare down hatred. People like Heather are the ones who deserve our recognition, not the lowly racists she challenged.
The one thing I take away from the endless media coverage of the Charlottesville rally and aftermath is this: We are witnessing a new millennia of hatred and racism in this country. Charlottesville shows the violence of white supremacy did not die with generations following the Civil Rights Movement. We are witnessing unhinged evil, emboldened and energized. The racists have a platform on which they are unashamed to show their hatred.
So where do we go from here?
I am certain more rallies and counterprotests will occur. These situations are unavoidable. But let’s learn from what we have experienced this past week. Let’s be vigilant in our condemnation. Let’s not allow hate to fester. Be active. Be loud. If you oppose white supremacy, bigotry, and racism, you must speak up.
Next, let’s take this momentum to the ballot box. I’ve always said “An angry voter is the best kind of voter.”
Next, let’s take this momentum to the ballot box. I’ve always said “An angry voter is the best kind of voter.” If you hear a politician’s rhetoric go against everything you stand for, it is your duty as an American to make your vote count.
I’ve never been enamored with statues. But I oppose their destruction. Statutes serve as reminders of our history. The Civil War era statutes represent the oppression that black people endured.
Statues of those who have given their lives for the freedom and justice of others are worthy of their position in public spaces. Heather’s image should be among them, and it should stand next to the one white supremacists fiercely protected.
Lastly, to Heather’s family and friends: I am sorry this country has failed your loved one. We, as a nation, have taken a significant step back. We underestimated the amount of hatred that still exists. We will rally for Heather. We will not let her messages of unity and respect for the common man die in vain.
Jonathan Jackson is the national spokesman for RainbowPUSH as well as a professor and entrepreneur.