Looking ahead
In the days after President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive victory, Charlottesville progressive groups organized to process results, bolster community, and strategize.
For those focused on combating climate change, Trump’s promises to support the fossil fuel industry and pull out of the Paris Agreement have garnered concern. Dozens of University of Virginia students gathered with the Sunrise Movement, a national organization advocating for political action on employment and climate change, in a November 8 walkout. Leaders called Trump’s victory “a massive threat to our generation” in a press release the day before the protest.
Sunrise UVA also joined a wider call among Democrats for the party to rebuild trust with the working class. Exit polls show Trump resonated with larger numbers of voters without a college degree, as well as those concerned about the economy, among other groups.
“The wealth gap in our country is increasing, and working people cannot afford living essentials for themselves and their families,” said Kelsey Levine, Sunrise UVA leader and a UVA graduate student, in an email to C-VILLE. “In this election, the Democratic party moved toward the center when it needed to put forward policies with bold changes.”
Another student group, the UVA chapter of Young Democratic Socialists of America organized November 7 to strategize on protecting reproductive rights, the LGBTQ+ population, workers’ rights, and liberation movements across the globe.
In the post-Roe era, the Harris campaign made abortion access a primary issue. It’s unclear what moves Trump, who shifted his abortion policy throughout his campaign, will make on the issue, although he has consistently said abortion rights decisions should fall to the states.
“Now is the time to start building a collective future, because if anyone is going to do it, it has to be us,” YDSA posted in a written statement.
This position aligns with releases from both Albemarle County and Charlottesville Democratic committees. Charlottesville Dems hosted a November 8 potluck to “build the bonds that make us strong and resilient,” per an Instagram post. Albemarle Democrats offered three events hosted by Del. Amy Laufer, who represents the 55th District in the House of Delegates.
“The results … were disappointing, but there is still work to do,” Laufer wrote. “Let’s try to gear up for next year’s election cycle, as it is so important to keep Democrats in the House of Delegates and the State Senate.”
Never forget
The University of Virginia will honor Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr., and D’Sean Perry on November 13, the second anniversary of the fatal shooting on Grounds, which resulted in their deaths and the injury of two more students. Community members are invited to join in remembrance at the UVA Chapel at 1:55pm, when the chapel bell will ring the first verse of “Amazing Grace,” followed by three chimes.
Change over
University of Virginia Vice Provost for Global Affairs Stephen Mull has begun his work leading the State Department transition between the Biden and Trump administrations. Mull was tapped for the job in late September, regardless of the outcome of the election, and started work on October 28. His assignment is expected to last through January 2025.
Naming rights
Residents have until November 15 to submit preliminary names for this year’s Downtown Mall Christmas tree. The tree will be lit at the Grand Illumination at the Ting Pavilion on December 6. Last year’s Christmas tree was named Spruce Willis, though some fans are campaigning for a return of the Oatmeal dynasty (for those unaware, see: c-ville.com/the-big-picture-4).
Photo by Stephen Barling.