On Thursday, July 17, tens of thousands of people are expected to march and rally at over 1,500 locations across all 50 US states. This day of action is not only a protest against the Trump administration but also a tribute to the enduring legacy of the late congressman John Lewis, a staunch advocate for voting rights and civil disobedience. Coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Lewis’s passing, this event, themed “Good Trouble Lives On,” aims to mobilize communities nationwide.
John Lewis, a longtime congressman from Georgia, played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement, including participating in the historic march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, where he faced violent opposition from law enforcement on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Lewis famously urged individuals to engage in “good trouble, necessary trouble” to further their causes, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the actions planned for July 17.
Numerous advocacy and civil rights organizations have partnered for this significant event. According to the protest’s official website, “The civil rights leaders of the past have shown us the power of collective action.” On the fifth anniversary of John Lewis's death, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces, continuing his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.
Organizers anticipate that tens of thousands will participate in protests throughout small towns, suburbs, and cities, marking the latest demonstration against the Trump administration across the United States. The previous mass protest, known as No Kings, held in June, attracted several million participants, making it one of the largest single-day protests in US history. While Thursday’s events may see smaller crowds due to being on a weekday, the passion for change remains strong.
Chicago will serve as the main hub for the day’s activities, with additional significant events planned in Atlanta, St. Louis, Annapolis, and Oakland. The day will feature a variety of activities, including rallies, marches, candlelight vigils, food drives, direct action trainings, teach-ins, and voter registration drives.
The demands of the protestors include an immediate end to the Trump administration’s crackdown on civil rights, especially concerning the right to protest and voting rights. They are also advocating against the targeting of Black and brown Americans, immigrants, and trans individuals, as well as the proposed cuts to essential social programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as “food stamps.”
Daryl Jones, co-leader of the Transformative Justice Coalition, shared a powerful reminder of John Lewis’s legacy, stating, “One of the things that John Lewis would always say is that if you see something that’s wrong, you have an obligation to speak up, to say something, to do something.” He emphasized that July 17 is about recognizing the injustices affecting various communities across the nation and the necessity of standing up and advocating for what is right.
As the nation prepares for this important day of action, the spirit of John Lewis continues to inspire individuals to engage in collective activism and pursue a future defined by justice and equality for all.
