*Editor's Note: The time of the event was changed last night after the Starkville Daily News press deadline, with the time of the event depicted in the print paper saying 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. - the SDN will run an update in Wednesday's paper with the updated time.*
After the violent events in Charlottesvile, Virginia, over the past weekend, a vigil has been organized on the Mississippi State University campus to encourage the community to stand together against racism and bigotry.
The Unity Vigil for Charlottesville will be held Wednesday from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Junction in front of the Leo Seal M-Club.
One person was killed and many more injured in violent clashes over the weekend as protestors and hate groups gathered in Charlottesville to speak out against the removal of a statue depicting Confederate general Robert E. Lee from the campus of the University of Virginia.
Organizer Patti Drapala said attendees are encouraged to bring battery-operated candles, flashlights and phone lights instead of traditional candles because of fire concerns. "We're also asking to keep the sidewalks clear for people with disabilities who might want to attend the rally," Drapala said.
The event will be organized by Indivisible Golden Triangle - a nonpartisan activist group who is one of many Indivisible groups across the nation and Mississippi who have organized and sponsored candlelight vigils following the events in Virginia.
"Our community is progressive and we want to keep things progressive and honor people who have fought for civil rights," Drapala said. "We want people to know Starkville is a welcoming community."
Drapala said should the crowd grow to 300 or more, the group may have to find an alternate location. In case of rain, MSU has stated assist in finding an different venue.