John Lewis dedicated his existence – often risking his very life – in support of ensuring that every American could register, vote and be assured their vote was counted. During his 80 years on our earth, John Lewis seemed to get into one scrape of “good trouble” after another.
On Thursday evening, July 17, the fifth anniversary of the death of the late Georgia Congressman John R. Lewis, more than 150 citizens from the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck gathered on the grounds of the Middlesex County Historic Courthouse in Saluda to commemorate the legacy of the late civil rights activist, and to recall his resonant mantra, “We must make good trouble, necessary trouble” — urging fresh activism to safeguard democracy and equality.
With hot, humid weather, but clear sunny skies, the crowd lined General Puller Highway with signs and placards protesting the limitations of voting rights and promoting the protection of civil liberties provided under the Constitution. As music promoting civic activism streamed in the background, the group joined in chants of “Make Good Trouble” and “Protect Free Speech” to the supporting honks of passing motorists.
