TUSCALOOSA — Students and campus visitors packed into an entertainment venue on University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa on Wednesday to honor the late founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk.
At the gathering, special guests addressed the crowd, paying homage to the conservative activist and urging those in the audience to mirror Kirk's dedication and eagerness to shape the country.
Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council co-chair CJ Pearson hosted the event.
"The guy that I know, the man that I know in Charlie Kirk, he would be so ecstatic to see all of you here today," Pearson told the crowd.
"Not just continuing to show up, not just showing that you're gonna get off the sidelines, and press for the front lines, but he would be glad to know that we're not just carrying the torch but lighting the torch of our neighbor or our friend," he continued. "We will ensure that his legacy not just lives on, but it grows."
Conservative podcaster and social influencer Savannah Chrisley also addressed the room,
"I want you to look around the campus and these classrooms," Chrisley said. "This is where the future is being decided. The question is simple. Will you be silent or will you be bold? You're not just here to pass classes. You're here to shape the culture and culture shifts when ordinary people speak the truth with courage."
"Charlie Kirk built more than an organization. He built a movement. A movement grounded in faith, in freedom, courage, and in action. He believed God gives everyone of us a purpose and America is worth fighting for. He believed young people, all of you, have the power to change the course of history, and you refuse to stay silent. Honoring Charlie means living those values out loud," she added.
ALGOP chairman John Wahl was in attendance and spoke to 1819 News about his professional relationship with Kirk and why events like Wednesday night's are important in the face of political violence.
"As the youngest state party chairman in the country, I've had multiple projects that I've worked on with Charlie Kirk. You'll never find someone who was more passionate about what he believed in," Wahl recalled. "Charlie believed in the American Dream. He believed in the principle of freedom, and he was so passionate about engaging the next generation on the cause of freedom. When I think about that, I think about his heart. And what he brought to the political discussion, it's hard to believe he's gone."
"I think it makes it all the more important that we remain vigilant and we carry on his legacy. That we aren't afraid to be bold, conservative. We're not afraid to stand up. We're not afraid to speak truth and to have open and honest political debate. That's what this night is all about, honoring his legacy. "
"It's about the fact that we're not afraid. We are going to stand for truth, and we're going to embrace freedom and political debate," he added.
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