Charlottesville gained national attention in 2017 when white supremacists and neo-Nazis gathered for a "Unite the Right" rally that turned violent, resulting in the death of a counter-protester. This event drew attention to the racial tensions and issues of racism that exist in the city and the country as a whole. While Charlottesville, like any city, has its share of racial tensions and challenges, it is important to note that Charlottesville is a diverse city with a rich history, and many residents and community organizations work to promote equality and social justice. When we visited, we found Charlottesville to be a generally progress town. That said, we did also see many Confederate flags when driving through the countryside in the Shenandoah Valley.