Join the Fight: Good Trouble Lives On Rallies Hit Rochester Today!

Avon, NY, USA - On July 17, 2025, individuals across the United States, including right here in Rochester, are gearing up for a series of rallies that promise to ripple far beyond their localities. Named „Good Trouble Lives On,“ these demonstrations celebrate the legacy of John Lewis, the late civil rights activist and congressman. Five years after his passing, the ethos of „good trouble“—a term coined by Lewis—continues to inspire advocacy against what many see as troubling policies under the Trump administration, notably ongoing federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs.

In Rochester, residents can participate in several rallies slated for Thursday afternoon. Highlights include gatherings at Highland Park from 2 to 4 p.m. and at Liberty Pole from 5 to 7 p.m. Other local events are happening in Avon Village Circle Park, Canandaigua, Marion Town Park, West Bloomfield, and Seneca Falls, making it clear that this call for action is being heard loud and clear in Western New York. The protests aim to address serious issues such as civil and human rights, women’s rights, and immigration policies, all part of a broader response to federal initiatives since Trump returned to office in January 2025. WHEC reports that organizers hope to encourage community engagement through moral assemblies, food drives, and voter registration initiatives.

The Legacy of John Lewis

John Lewis left an indelible mark on the civil rights movement, and his mantra of „good trouble“ serves not only as a rallying cry but also as a call to action for those looking to challenge the status quo. His brother has remarked on Lewis’s unique place in their family, highlighting how his experiences in Nashville shaped his lifelong activism, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement. USA Today notes that his work during significant events like the Freedom Rides and the March on Washington helped define his commitment to social justice.

The upcoming „Good Trouble Lives On“ protests are expected to attract more than 56,000 participants in over 1,500 events nationwide. This widespread mobilization includes major rallies in cities like Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and Denver, where demands for the protection of voting rights and the restoration of essential social programs will echo on streets where generations of activists have marched. Southwest Journal highlights that these protests reflect a continuing movement aiming to combat civil rights rollbacks and resist voter suppression efforts.

A Call for Action

The rallies aren’t merely commemorative; they embody a robust resistance movement addressing pressing social and political issues. Organizers from various civil rights and democracy organizations, including the Transformative Justice Coalition and Black Voters Matter, have joined forces to ensure that Lewis’s legacy of nonviolent activism is upheld. As these events unfold, participants are reminded of the importance of speaking out and getting involved, just as Lewis encouraged in his speeches and writings.

Those planning to participate in the Rochester rallies will join a greater movement that emphasizes community action and civil engagement. Further information can be found at goodtroubleliveson.org, where individuals can learn how to make their voices heard and ensure Lewis’s message of „good trouble“ continues to resonate through future generations.