As tens of thousands marched on July 17 in cities across the United States to honor the legacy of John Lewis, it became undeniably clear that his message—to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble”—remains profoundly relevant in 2025. The fifth annual “Good Trouble Lives On” rallies, held on the anniversary of Lewis’s passing, served not merely as commemorative events but as powerful expressions of democratic will. In an era marked by voter suppression laws, disinformation campaigns, and renewed racial tensions, these peaceful demonstrations underscore a vital truth: civic courage is still necessary to defend and advance the principles of democracy.
The rallies, which spanned hundreds of cities from Anchorage to Miami, came at a time of deep concern over the health of American democracy. Since the weakening of the Voting Rights Act in 2013, numerous states have enacted laws that critics argue disproportionately impact minority and young voters. Restrictive voting ID laws, purges of voter rolls, and reductions in early voting access continue to erode trust in the electoral process. Against this backdrop, the image of thousands gathering peacefully to demand fair elections and racial justice carries weight beyond symbolism—it is a reaffirmation of public agency.
These rallies are not staged performances or nostalgic tributes; they are expressions of grassroots organizing with measurable civic outcomes. Local chapters of civil rights organizations used the gatherings to register new voters, educate communities about redistricting and voting law changes, and mobilize support for federal legislation like the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. In cities like Atlanta, Houston, and Detroit, the marches flowed directly into town halls and policy workshops. The demonstration, in these cases, became a doorway to sustained civic participation.
One might ask, does marching really make a difference in a policy landscape so resistant to reform? The answer lies in the enduring power of public pressure. Historically, major civil rights advances have never originated solely from legislative goodwill—they have been pushed into being by persistent, coordinated activism. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the original Voting Rights Act of 1965 followed years of protest, advocacy, and sacrifice. Today’s rallies draw from the same wellspring of resistance, seeking to confront new iterations of old injustices.
What makes “Good Trouble” uniquely powerful is its ethos of disciplined, nonviolent action. In a time when polarization too often leads to hostility and disengagement, these protests offer a model of how to challenge power without replicating its most corrosive features. John Lewis never advocated for disruption for disruption’s sake. He understood that righteous agitation is only effective when paired with a vision for justice and a commitment to peace. This principle was on full display in 2025, as participants upheld Lewis’s legacy through peaceful marches, artistic expression, and civic education.
Moreover, these rallies highlight an often-overlooked dimension of democratic engagement: the role of community and solidarity. In an age when digital algorithms fragment the public sphere and misinformation undermines shared reality, coming together physically to speak with one voice has renewed importance. The Good Trouble events offer a corrective—a chance for people to reassert common values and build civic muscle in the company of neighbors, elders, youth leaders, and advocates.
To be clear, the challenges facing American democracy are real and daunting. Structural racism, voter suppression, income inequality, and political polarization are not problems that can be solved with slogans or marches alone. But to dismiss these gatherings as mere ritual misses their full significance. The rallies are an entry point—a beginning, not an end. They create a visible, collective statement that the fight for justice continues and that ordinary citizens remain its most essential force.
In that sense, “Good Trouble” is more than a phrase. It’s a strategy, a philosophy, and a call to action. In 2025, amid the noise of partisan conflict and institutional inertia, it reminds us that democracy is not self-sustaining. It must be nurtured by engagement, defended with integrity, and advanced through solidarity.
John Lewis believed that every generation must do its part to shape a more perfect union. The resurgence of the Good Trouble rallies is a hopeful sign that this generation is answering that call—not just in memory of Lewis, but in honor of the democratic ideals he lived and died for.
