ROANOKE, Va. – In light of the deadly white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in August, one local man decided now is the time to gather people together to celebrate the freedom of speech.
Saturday was the first-ever Free Speech Festival in Roanoke. It brought together both conservative and liberal speakers.
Organizers said it's time to re-educate people that free speech is a core value.
"People need to be reminded that freedom of speech does not give us the ability to say I should not be offended that the ability to say what's on our mind is actually what makes us a great country. I thought it be something good," rally organizer Chris Muse said.
Delegate Sam Rasoul, Roanoke City Councilman Bill Bestpitch, attorney Rena Berry and retired Army Capt. John Lee Cahoon were some of the speakers at the rally.
Muse plans to hold another rally the same day next year.