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Woman organizes ‘RVA Peace Gathering’ in wake of divisive election

Posted at 10:55 PM, Nov 28, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-28 23:25:46-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- A Richmond woman was inspired to organize a gathering to bring people together in the wake of a contentious and negative political election.

After reading a range of divisive comments on Facebook and Twitter, 23-year-old Kyia Hopkins wanted to do something to bring the community together.

She organized the RVA Peace Gathering in Richmond Monday night.

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Kyia Hopkins

“I’ve seen who people don’t like, what they don’t agree with, but now it’s time for the solutions,” said Hopkins.

The night was open to anyone who wanted to attend and those who came were able to ask questions and talk about what they wanted to see for their City.

“I learned a lot about the different outlets and resources that we have to bring each other together,” said Ashley Lovely, who attended the event.

There were also different leaders in the community there who served on a panel to answer questions on how to make the best of situations.

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“I think these moments are important because they remind us of what it’s going to really take, which is unity and peace to move forward,” said Pastor Vernon Gordon, of The Life Church.

Hopkins says she hopes to see more events like this in the future.

“We have seen so much negativity, no matter who you voted for or what you believe, we still have to have compassion for one another,” said Hopkins.