Join the Fight: Good Trouble Events Honor John Lewis in Our Community!

Center Lake Park, Lake County, USA - As memorials and movements weave through the fabric of society, it is fitting that the legacy of U.S. Representative John Lewis, a beacon of civil rights and social justice, is celebrated through a series of local events in Lake and Sumter counties this July. Two significant dates have been set aside: July 17 and July 19, when community members will gather to pay homage to the man who tirelessly fought for equality.

The events, organized by the nonpartisan Indivisibles Project chapter in South Lake, are titled “Good Trouble Lives On,” reflecting Lewis’s own phrase, „Get in good trouble, necessary trouble.“ The aim is to address and counteract policies from the previous Trump administration that many believe jeopardize civil and human rights. The Daily Commercial reports that these grassroots actions form part of a larger national effort to “fight back against the growing attacks on our civil and human rights” facing our nation today.

Remembering a Legacy

John Lewis, born in 1940 in Alabama to sharecropper parents, faced the harsh realities of racial segregation from a young age. His experiences fueled a lifelong commitment to justice. He was heavily involved in pivotal civil rights actions, including the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington in 1963. Notably, his leadership shone during the Selma to Montgomery marches. It was during “Bloody Sunday” in 1965 that Lewis sustained severe injuries, an event that would ultimately pave the way for the Voting Rights Act of the same year. Today’s events will echo that fight for justice and equality, reminding us of the cost of progress.

Recent demonstrations in Lake and Sumter counties have been largely peaceful. The Villagers 4 Democracy group, known for its sign-waving events, will take a break this month due to vacation schedules. However, enthusiasm builds around a „Good Trouble“ sign wave hosted by the Villages Democratic Club, set for July 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Morse Boulevard. Participants are encouraged to bring golf carts and chairs, as parking options are limited.

Actions and Events

On the evening of July 17, citizens will gather at Center Lake Park from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to further voice their demands for justice and an end to authoritarian attacks on voting and organizing rights. The events culminate on July 19 with a Good Trouble Rally & March at Clermont City Hall from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This is not just a moment of remembrance; it’s a call to action that echoes the values and struggles that defined Lewis’s life.

Lewis’ legacy is a living one. His message of hope and perseverance, especially directed at younger generations, remains vital. He often said, „If not us, then who? If not now, then when?“ This clarion call resonates even more amid today’s challenges.

For those eager to learn more about the national campaign, including actions across the country, more information can be found at goodtroubleliveson.org.

As we reflect on John Lewis’s journey—from a young boy in Alabama to one of the most respected figures in American politics—let us also honor his legacy by committing to social justice. Whether through peaceful protest or the encouragement of future peace-makers, we can all engage in „good trouble“ and ensure that the fight for equality continues to thrive.