WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The mother of the Charlottesville victim Heather Heyer has launched a foundation in honor of her daughter.
Susan Bro announced the launch of the Heather Heyer Foundation at the MTV Video Music Awards Nite Sunday, after being introduced by a descendant of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.
Heather Heyer, a 32-year old civil rights activist, lost her life on August 12 when a car plowed into a crowd of counter-demonstrators who were protesting a rally of right-wing extremists over plans to remove a statue of Confederate leader Gen. Robert E. Lee in Charlottesville.
Rev. Robert Wright Lee IV, a descendant of Robert E. Lee, on Sunday spoke out against racism, what he referred to as 'America's original sin.'
The Heather Heyer Foundation website says it was created to honor Heather Heyer, who dedicated her life to promoting equal rights for all people. The Foundation has established a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to individuals passionate about positive social change. Scholarships will be awarded to students interested in pursuing law, paralegal studies, social work, social justice, and education.
The Foundation, registered as a Virginia not for profit corporation, has invited gifts and contributions from its well-wishers to fund the scholarship.
At the VMA ceremony, which was also dominated by political statements, Susan Bro handed out the Fight Against the System Award to six nominees.
She has taken an adamant stand that she will not speak with President Trump in the wake of the tragedy.
Artists, including Michael Jackson's daughter Paris and Kate Perry, took indirect dig at Trump and spoke out against white supremacy.
Paris lashed out against the violence in Charlottesville, calling out 'Nazi white supremacist jerks.'
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