Today, communities across the United States marked the fifth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’s death on July 17, 2020, with coordinated “Good Trouble Lives On” events. Organized by a coalition of civil rights groups—including Black Voters Matter, the National Urban League, and the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights—demonstrators assembled in parks, plazas, courthouses, and civic centers to recommit to Lewis’s legacy of voting rights, racial justice, and civic engagement.
Participants emphasized nonviolent advocacy, echoing Lewis’s guiding principle of “good trouble.” Attendees participated in photo exhibits, voter registration drives, policy roundtables, candlelight vigils, community art events, and creative protests such as the umbrella action in Washington, D.C. Remarkably, around two dozen protesters used decorated umbrellas near Metro Center to raise messages advocating free and fair elections, diversity, and accessible civic discourse—designed to make activism approachable in summer conditions.
Organizers described the day’s ethos as “March in Peace. Act in Power,” a mantra repeated at flagships in Chicago, Atlanta, St. Louis, Annapolis, Oakland, Houston, New Haven, and countless other communities. In Houston, events at City Hall featured chalk art, music, and speeches highlighting immigration rights, opposition to ICE’s enforcement tactics, threats to public media and health programs, and solidarity with Palestinian communities. In New Haven, hundreds gathered on the Green, featuring musical performances and addresses from local officials such as Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, with a focus on protecting civil liberties, voting access, healthcare, and immigrant rights.
This year’s protests came in the wake of active opposition to federal policies perceived as rolling back civil and human rights. Demonstrators voiced resistance to mass deportations, efforts to curtail Medicaid and SNAP funding, immigration enforcement campaigns, and new voting restrictions. They urged Congress to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and to defend democratic norms threatened by recent executive actions.
The scope of the initiative was vast: more than 1,500 to 1,600 events took place across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and several international communities, including gatherings organized by Democrats Abroad in cities from Dublin to Oaxaca. Tens of thousands responded via RSVPs and turnout figures; organizers reported over 56,000 RSVPs alone for more than 1,500 events, drawing hundreds to thousands of participants at various locations.
Anchored by the Chicago flagship rally at Daley Plaza, the events were livestreamed for wider engagement. Speakers included local activists, public officials, grassroots leaders, and residents drawing inspiration from Lewis’s refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice.
Led by groups such as the American Constitution Society, Black Voters Matter, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the National Urban League, the Declaration for American Democracy, Indivisible, the Transformative Justice Coalition, and others, the day of action showcased unity among diverse coalitions.
Today’s events underscored continuing concern over a perceived regression in civil rights and democratic protections. Organizers highlighted unanswered calls for police reform, reproductive freedom, immigrant protections, economic equity, and support for marginalized communities. Many connected current policy debates with the spirit of Lewis’s statement urging citizens to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
Across small towns and big cities alike—whether under umbrellas at Metro Center, with chalk art in Houston, or voter registration booths in civic centers—participants affirmed that Lewis’s influence endures. As one organizer said, “There are still fights to be fought, and we’re here to carry the torch.”
The “Good Trouble Lives On” rallies served not only as memorials to Lewis but as calls for sustained civic courage. With thousands mobilized in peace and solidarity, the events emphasized that activism rooted in justice and nonviolence remains necessary.
