On Thursday, protests and events challenging President Donald Trump’s controversial policies—which include mass deportations and cuts to essential programs like Medicaid—are set to occur at over 1,600 locations across the United States. This significant day of action, titled “Good Trouble Lives On,” pays homage to the late congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. Demonstrations are expected to unfold along streets, at courthouses, and in various public spaces, with organizers emphasizing the importance of keeping these events peaceful.
During an online news conference on Tuesday, Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “We are navigating one of the most terrifying moments in our nation’s history.” She expressed concern over the increasing authoritarianism and lawlessness within the administration, as the very fabric of democracy faces unprecedented challenges. Public Citizen, a nonprofit dedicated to combating corporate power, is part of the coalition organizing the protests.
Significant demonstrations are planned in cities such as Atlanta, St. Louis, Oakland (California), and Annapolis (Maryland). Each of these cities will serve as focal points for those advocating for change and standing against Trump’s policies.
John Lewis, who first entered Congress in 1986, passed away in 2020 at the age of 80 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was not only the youngest but also the last surviving member of the Big Six civil rights activists, a group led by the esteemed Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In 1965, Lewis courageously led 600 protesters in the historic Bloody Sunday march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he was brutally beaten by police, suffering a skull fracture. This pivotal event catalyzed further marches and ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
In his final years, Lewis passionately urged individuals to “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America,” reminding us of the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Chicago is poised to be the flagship city for Thursday’s protests, with demonstrators expected to gather downtown in the afternoon. Betty Magness, executive vice president of the League of Women Voters Chicago and one of the rally's organizers, mentioned that the event will include a candlelight vigil in honor of Lewis. However, she also noted that the rally will maintain an upbeat atmosphere, stating, “We have a DJ who’s gonna rock us with boots on the ground.”
Resistance to Trump’s policies has been particularly pronounced during his second term, primarily focusing on deportations and immigration enforcement tactics. Recent events in Southern California saw protesters clashing with federal authorities as mass arrests were conducted at marijuana farms. Tragically, one farmworker lost his life after falling during a chaotic raid, further intensifying public outrage.
The atmosphere of tension escalated following Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to protect federal agents executing arrests in Los Angeles. Demonstrations erupted in early June, with thousands taking to the streets, culminating in the “No Kings” protests on June 14, where millions participated in events from New York to San Francisco. Protesters labeled Trump a dictator, especially after marking his birthday with a military parade.
As the nation prepares for this day of action, the call for unity and resilience in the face of injustice resonates strongly across communities.
