Protesters Rally Through Herndon For Racial Justice

Update June 6, 1:50 p.m.: This story was updated to include quotes from all of the event's organizers.

HERNDON, VA — A long line of cars wended its way through the streets of Herndon early Thursday evening to raise awareness of racial injustice and police brutality.

Herndon resident Nikki Pugh came up with the idea for the Herndon Car Rally - Justice for Black Lives following similar protests in the wake of George Floyd's recent death while in police custody in Minneapolis.

"The injustice against the black community, the brutality of the police was just the tipping point last week, seeing the murder of George Floyd," she said. "I just felt everyone should just get out and take a stand against everything that's happening now and everything that's wrong right now."

Pugh shared her feelings on the Herndon VA Community group on Facebook and her idea to put on some type of event in Herndon. The response was overwhelmingly positive.

"We heard so many voices in the community asking for a way to show their solidarity," she said. "The feedback was quick. After 24 hours who had over 800 people interested."

Pugh and fellow organizers Jacob Reeves and Sierra Moore decided to host a road rally because they recognized with concerns over the coronavirus pandemic many people might not take part in a march. Instead, the demonstrators decorated their cars and held out signs as they drove through Herndon.

"Some of the things that have hit me really hard is knowing that I have friends in Richmond that were getting tear-gassed for peacefully protesting and seeing all of the videos exposing injustice," said Reeves, one of the organizers. "So I felt that it was very important for me to use my white privilege in whatever way I can to help this."

An hour before the rally started, the Herndon Middle School parking lot was almost completely full, as demonstrators put the finishing touches on their vehicles.

Moore said that the large turnout almost made her want to cry.

"It means a lot that it's really spurring people into action," she said. "It means a lot to see people come out in droves to show their support. That they are here. That they want to make a commitment to change."

The Herndon Police Department closed off streets and provided an escort for the rally, which lasted for about 45 minutes.

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