Good Trouble Lives On
Boston “Good Trouble Lives On” March & Rally on July 17 to Honor the Legacy of Congressman John Lewis and Oppose Trump’s Authoritarianism
What: A march and rally for democracy and freedom to honor the legacy of Civil Rights icon and former Congressman John Lewis, and stand up against the authoritarian excesses of the Trump administration. This event is part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” nationwide day of peaceful, nonviolent action inspired by John Lewis’ call to make “good trouble, necessary trouble.” Attendees are encouraged to bring signs showing support for workers, voting rights, free and fair elections, the civil rights of our Black, Indigenous, immigrant, LGBTQIA and transgender communities, the end of ICE raids, and opposition to the would-be king!
When and where: The July 17 march departs Copley Square at 5pm; the rally starts at 6pm at the Liberty Mall on Boston Common (across from the State House).
Speakers will include:
Rev. Kevin C. Peterson, founder and executive director of The New Democracy Coalition
Darlene Lombos, President and Principal Officer, Greater Boston Labor Council
And, as in the Civil Rights Movement, music will play a role: B-VOCAL and the Good Trouble Brass Band will be featured to entertain, engage and inspire our fight for freedom, equality, and justice for all.
Why: 60 years ago, in the wake of the brutal violence of “Bloody Sunday,” President Johnson federalized the National Guard to protect the first amendment rights of thousands of activists marching from Selma to Montgomery for the right to vote. Now, a President who sees himself as America’s “king” is federalizing the National Guard to prevent peaceful protestors from exercising their first amendment rights. Our rights and democracy are under attack. On July 17th, the anniversary of John Lewis’ passing, we will honor his legacy by making “Good Trouble” to protect our civil rights and free and fair elections once again.
We demand:
That Congress protects the right to vote and free and fair elections by passing the John Lewis Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act.
An end to the attacks on Black, Brown, and Indigenous Americans, immigrants, transgender people, and other vulnerable communities, including—but not limited to—the immediate withdrawal of masked ICE agents and federal troops from American cities and towns.
An end to the defunding of federal programs that poor and working people rely on, including—but not limited to—Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security.
The restoration of funding and rebuilding of federal agencies that have been unlawfully defunded or dismantled without Congressional approval. Stand with workers - stop the firing of federal employees.
An end to the lawless and unconstitutional behavior of the current President of the United States, who has previously attempted to illegally and violently overturn the results of a free and fair election, and must be prevented from doing so again.
Event RSVP: https://www.mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/808583/
Who: The Boston “Good Trouble Lives On” march and rally is organized by a coalition including ACLU-MA, Boston Indivisible, Embrace Boston, Good Trouble Brass Band, Indivisible Mass Coalition, Indivisible Somerville, Mass 50501, Mass AFL-CIO, Swing Blue Alliance, The New Democracy Coalition, and UU Mass Action.
Media contact:
Samantha McGarry
mcgarry.samantha@gmail.com
508.395.3401