At Occupy Charlottesville, the mood is jovial. A few movement members are sitting on a couch in the middle of Lee Park playing music. Others are gathered at the kitchen tent, the only source of fresh food and water for the entire camp.
The movement recently obtained a renewable 30-day permit to stay in the park, and members are now saying they intend to stay put for as long as they physically can, even through Christmas.
According to a press release entitled "Declaration of Occupy Charlottesville," the group is occupying the park because they "are tired of corporate corruption within our government and its effects within our community." They are also, apparently, "sick of the minority of the population controlling the majority of the wealth, resources and labor equality."
The declaration also states Occupy’s core values, which include accepting anyone who is interested in joining the cause: "If you are human and want economic and social justice you can take part. Mutual respect, equality, nonviolence, and helping each other "materially, financially, or spiritually" are other core values.
More and more tents are popping up every day.
Homemade bread pudding.
The camp lists its daily activities on a board that sits at the foot of Robert E. Lee’s statue.
Samples of the calendar of events.
The kitchen tent.
The entrace to the camp from Market Street. Chiara Canzi photos.