Crowds are expected to gather across the nation on Thursday to commemorate the life of late Congressman John Lewis and protest Trump administration actions and policies.
More than 1,600 “Good Trouble Lives On” events are planned across the country to honor the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ death, including rallies, marches and voter registration drives. The event is expected to draw peaceful protesters angered by Trump administration actions, including intensified immigration enforcement, cuts to programs like Medicaid and SNAP and actions that activists say will restrict voting rights.
Lewis fought for civil and voting rights throughout his life. Before his election to Congress, he helped organize major moments in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Freedom Rides, the 1963 March on Washington and marches from Selma to Montgomery, during which police officers beat Lewis and other protesters who fought against discriminatory practices that prevented Black Americans from voting in the Jim Crow South.
Lewis’ efforts helped pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which protected the right to vote for marginalized groups and ensured the 15th Amendment was enforced.
“All of that is under threat now because we have an administration that is determined to act in an unconstitutional way,” said Barbara Arnwine, a co-leader of the Transformative Justice Coalition.
Lewis’ family told the coalition and other organizers that they hoped crowds would continue his civil rights advocacy and legacy, said Daryl Jones, another leader with the Transformative Justice Coalition.
The events in every state are named in honor of one of Lewis’ well-known quotes, who urged community members to “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
“It means that, to do good, sometimes you have to take risks,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters, “and you have to rock the boat, be a little unruly, put politeness aside and fight for what you believe in, even when it means you get into trouble.”
It’s important, she said, for community members to get involved as the Trump administration works to undo voting rights gains made by Lewis and other activists. Policies and changes proposed by the Trump administration, including stricter voter ID laws through the proposed SAVE Act, could make it harder and more expensive for women and marginalized communities to vote, Stewart said.
Event information can be found at goodtroubleliveson.org. Organizers ask that attendees RSVP on the website to gauge capacity and because the addresses for some events will only be provided to those who register ahead of time.
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