Charlottesville has recently been in the news due to the removal of a bronze statue of a Confederate general, which was a focal point of a deadly white nationalist protest in 2017. The statue was melted down to be refashioned into new works of art. Additionally, Patriots owner and Columbia University megadonor Robert Kraft took out full-page ads condemning what he described as 'hate' by student protesters.
Charlottesville, colloquially known as C'ville, is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is the county seat of Albemarle County, which surrounds the city, though the two are separate legal entities. Named after the British Queen consort Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Charlottesville is known for being the home of the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson. The city has a rich history and is a cultural hub, hosting various events and festivals throughout the year.