Nationwide, a series of events and demonstrations are being coordinated for this Thursday, in protest against the contentious decisions made by President Donald Trump. These include policies on large-scale deportations and significant reductions to Medicaid and other lifelines that aid those living in poverty. Over 1,600 venues across the United States have been earmarked for these protests. The event titled ‘Good Trouble Lives On,’ pays homage to the revered Congressman and prominent civil rights leader, John Lewis.
The demonstrations are expected to span across a myriad of locations including bustling streets, government courthouses, and various other public areas. The event leaders are advocating for the protests to be conducted peacefully. ‘In our nation’s history, this is perhaps one of the most daunting periods we’ve encountered,’ an assertion was made during a digital press conference earlier this week.
The difficult times we are all facing are characterized by the escalation of authoritarian rule and an absence of law from within our administration – circumstances that jeopardize the democractic principles which our nation was built on,’ expressed a protest organizer. Public Citizen, a non-profit organization with the prime objective of opposing corporate influence, is a key advocate for the planned demonstrations.
A part of the broader association backing the protests, they are particularly focusing on large-scale demonstrations in key locations such as Atlanta, St. Louis, Oakland in California and Annapolis in Maryland. Congressman Lewis, who was first elected to the prestigious office in 1986, served until his untimely death in 2020 due to complications with advanced pancreatic cancer, at the age of 80.
The revered congressman was the youngest among the Big Six civil rights activists, under the stewardship of the infamous Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. In the year 2020, John Lewis famously asked his fellow citizens to ‘Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and redeem the soul of America’, thus providing inspiration for these planned protests.
Chicago is expected to serve as a hub for the demonstrations that are planned for this Thursday, with protesters descending on the city center in the afternoon. Themed events accompanying the protests include a nighttime candlelight vigil, organized to honor the redoubtable legacy of Lewis.
Betty Magness, who occupies the role of executive vice president for the League of Women Voters in Chicago and a key orchestrator for the city’s peaceful protest, has indicated that while the candlelight vigil will have a somber tone, the rest of the planned activities aim for a more spirited atmosphere, even featuring a DJ to motivate the participants.
The discontent with the Trump administration, particularly in its second tenure, has been primarily focused around policies related to massive deportations and stringent immigration enforcement measures. During this month, a serious confrontation occurred during the execution of large-scale arrests by federal authorities on two marijuana farms located in southern California.
One farm worker tragically met his death after an accidental fall from the roof of a greenhouse, amidst the chaos that ensued during the abrupt raid. This event was subsequent to an unprecedented move by President Trump to station National Guard troops around federal buildings and to provide assistance to immigration agents conducting arrests in Los Angeles.
Starting on June 8 of this year, Los Angeles witnessed the advent of numerous protests. The ‘No Kings’ demonstrations on June 14th, organized by concerned citizens, saw millions of protesters marching the streets from New York to San Francisco, in a powerful display of solidarity and resistance.
Demonstrators unabashedly labelled President Trump a ‘dictator’ and a ‘would-be king,’ incensed by the decision to celebrate his birthday with a lavish military parade. As peaceful protest continues to sweep the nation, the legacy of ‘Good Trouble’ embodied by John Lewis lives on, inspiring citizens to stand up and make their voices heard.
The series of national actions planned for this Thursday aim to protest against the harmful policies implemented by current administrative head. The intention is not just merely an action of resistance but also a clear message to dissipate such policies in the future.
In the midst of these turbulent times, the echo of John Lewis’ words to ‘Get in good trouble, necessary trouble’ reverberates strongly, acting as a beacon of light guiding these peaceful protests. Nationwide, citizens are motivated to take a stand, to demonstrate their unyielding commitment to safeguard their rights, their freedoms, and their democracy.