Hundreds Line Reston Parkway in Support of George Floyd, Racial Justice

Hundreds of protestors lined Reston Parkway on Sunday evening to take a stand for George Floyd and racial justice.

Cars honked as protestors of all ages stood with signs in the peaceful demonstration, which was organized by a local community group, Reston Strong. Some chanted while others stood with masks. Groups gathered in Reston’s heart — Reston Town Center — in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Organizer Sarah Selvaraj-Dsouza, who started Reston Strong, said the number of Reston neighbors who joined the effort gives her hope in the “transformative” nature of the movement. She estimates more than 5,000 people took part.

“We must continue the drumbeat for justice and loudly demand meaningful change. Tonight we came together to say our community believes Black Lives Matter. We have put out specific demands tonight and we will not stop till these are achieved,” she said.

Participants signed a #signthesign petition, which will be delivered to the Fairfax County Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney  Steve Descano.

The petition calls on FCPD to create a public, official database on use of force incidents among police officers. They are also demanding justice for Bijan Ghaisar, a 25-year-old resident of Fairfax, who was killed by U.S. Park Police after a stop-and-go chase in 2017.

The Dulles Toll Road was closed between Wiehle Avenue and the Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride to accommodate the protest.

Peaceful protest at Reston Town Center! #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/iDOJNIFxZ8

— Karen Haldeman-Clark (@kahclark1) June 8, 2020

RESTON, VA. pic.twitter.com/ZMdGXgJkK1

— ”👑 Jota Bo” 🍊 ❤️ (@KingBo_22) June 8, 2020

Photos by Nick Papetti