Thousands gathered in various locations across the United States, including Jacksonville, to pay tribute to civil rights leader John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his passing, while promoting civil and human rights.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Across the nation, Americans came together today to honor the memory of John Lewis, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. This national day of activism, dubbed ‘Good Trouble Lives On,’ commemorates five years since Lewis’ death.
Organizers said it’s an effort to stand up for civil and human rights which they feel are under attack.
At the A. Philip Randolph park, there was a large crowd, young and old all coming together to make their voices heard Thursday.
The late John Lewis, who served as a congressman, encouraged others to “never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” This sentiment was prominently expressed by community activists during Thursday’s events.
“It’s not that we want to start something,” said Glorious Johnson, a former Jacksonville city councilwoman and longtime community advocate. She went on, “We want to make people aware that everybody wants justice, everybody wants to have a decent home. Everybody wants to enjoy life.”
Johnson joined dozens of other residents to honor the life and legacy of the late civil rights activist, Congressman John Lewis. “John Lewis was out there fighting for our rights,” she said.
This “good trouble lives on” event is a part of a national day of action…that marks five years since Lewis passed and reignites his call for justice and equality.
Organizers said this is about defending democracy and standing up against the Trump administration’s policies, including recent mass deportation raids, rollbacks on Medicaid and the food assistance program known as snap and voter suppression.
“We’re coming back into communities, unrepresented communities, marginalized communities,” said Rosemary McCoy, with Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters. “We’re coming back into the communities to educate them so they can understand the system.”
The late congressman Lewis was also pivotal in protecting voting rights for all Americans. A fight Johnson knows firsthand. “I remember I was told I had no right to vote. ‘What is your purpose of thinking that you’re better than someone.’ I said ‘no it’s not that we think we’re better. We want to do what you’re doing and that’s voting,’” she said.
For Johnson and countless others in attendance, they say the fight isn’t over. They’ll continue John Lewis’s legacy of creating “good trouble.”
“We must continue that fight to let them know let’s have some justice, let’s do it the right way,” said Johnson.
Indivisible Jax Riverside and Mandarin, Harriet Tubman Freedom Fighters, Northside Coalition of Jacksonville, Florida Rising and Beaches activists movement, League of Women Voters First Coast, JAX NOW are some of the community organizations represented at the event.
Staff with the Duval County Supervisor of elections office were also allowing people to register to vote.
