On June 19, a Black Lives Matter protest and march will be held in Cedar Park in honor of Juneteenth.

Protesters will meet at 2 p.m. near the Cedar Park Recreation Center, located at 1435 Main St., Cedar Park, and march around The Parke shopping center.

Organizer Ashley Thompson said there will be speeches and an opportunity to register to vote before the march begins.

Thompson said she wanted to bring awareness to the Cedar Park community of the daily injustices that black communities face.

The Cedar Park peaceful protest and march will follow local and nationwide protests against police brutality and the deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Mike Ramos and others.


Thompson said she wanted to channel her emotions of anger and frustration into something positive in the community on Juneteenth—a holiday that celebrates the emancipation of slaves June 19, 1865.

“Juneteenth is a historical day because it’s a day that we typically celebrate when people were freed from slavery,” Thompson said. “But I feel like in 2020, we’re still being reminded that a lot of the times, we’re not free, and a lot of people see us as threats and inferior and continue to deprive us of human rights.”

Protesters are encouraged to wear masks, practice social distancing and dress in black bottoms and white shirts; Thompson said the clothes are to show unity among the protesters.

A GoFundMe fundraiser is running now for funds to purchase drinks, sign materials and masks for protesters, Thompson said.


Cedar Park Police Department spokesperson Alicia Inns said no police will be assigned to the event.