Award Shows August 27, 2017
Heather Heyer's Mom Susan Bro Announces Social Justice Foundation from VMAs Stage
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The mother of Heather Heyer, the young woman who was killed by a driver who rammed his car into a group of counter-protesters demonstrating against a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August, honored her daughter's life by presenting the awards for Best Fight Against the System at the 2017 MTV VMAs Sunday night.
Susan Bro joined "Extra's" Renee Bargh before the show, talking about her daughter Heather's death and what the award — which was added to this year's ceremony to highlight the work of activists — meant to her.
"Heather was vocal, Heather was outspoken about social justice and it doesn't work that way with my family," Susan told Renee. "I am going to speak for my daughter now... I miss her all the time. This is a unique opportunity to share her vision and launch her foundation, keep her vision going."
The Heather Heyer Foundation's mission statement announces it "was created to honor Heather Heyer, a young civil rights activist, 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 those seeking a degree or certification in, but not limited to, law, paralegal studies, social work, social justice, and education."
Bro revealed that Heather was outraged by what is going on across our country regarding the uptick in racist demonstrations. What would Heather say if she were alive? Bro told Renee, "If you're not outraged, you're not paying attention." Taking action in her daughter's memory, Bro said, "We are going to do what we can with her foundation to make her death count for something."
Making an emotional appearance on the VMAs, Bro wound up honoring all six of the nominees in the Best Fight Against the System category instead of just one winner.
Bro said she was honored by the support she has been receiving in the wake of her personal tragedy, a tragedy that has touched people across the globe.
"The support from around the world has lifted me up," Bro said.
