On July 17, community members gathered and echoed comments of the acclaimed activist and former Congressional member John Lewis. The event enlightened the community on the importance of searching for “good trouble.” Speakers referenced the strength and resilience of Lewis as we look to address the current political and social turmoil.
Attendees held posters that read “Free Palestine” and “No Kings.” Many speakers invited participants to consider the sacrifice and hardship that John Lewis encountered during his activism.
They mentioned the physical injuries that Lewis endured as he spoke against injustice and encouraged the public to find ways to engage such as picketing, sending postcards and participating in strikes.
Local representatives from organizations such as the Transformative Justice Coalition, Black Voters Matter, Central Valley Indivisible, Declaration for American Democracy and Public Citizen promoted their goals and meeting times. Indivisible encouraged folks to challenge Rep. David Valadao (R–Hanford) in Congressional District 22 by writing and sending postcards.
Speakers used short excerpts, quotes or poems to call upon the spirit of Lewis, outlining the significance of getting into “good trouble.” They spoke to a communal obligation to do something when something is not right.
The event closed as the attendees chanted “immoral, illegal, inhuman” to symbolize the essence of the political policies now emanating from Washington, D.C.
