The Good Trouble Lives on!

On July 17th, 2025... in one month…

We honor John Lewis, civil rights activist and former United States Representative.

Born: February 21, 1940, Pike County, AL

Died: July 17, 2020 (age 80 years), Atlanta, GA

The Good Trouble Lives on!

The phrase "good trouble" became synonymous with John Lewis, the revered civil rights icon and congressman, who dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. His journey, from a sharecropper's son in rural Alabama to a towering figure in American politics, is a testament to the power of persistent, nonviolent activism. 

Even after his passing in 2020, Lewis's spirit of righteous indignation and unwavering commitment to a more just society continues to inspire generations.

John Lewis famously urged, "Speak up, speak out, get in the way. Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America."

He often spoke about this concept, drawing from his experiences in the Civil Rights Movement. He emphasized that sometimes, to achieve justice and create a more equitable society, it is necessary to challenge unjust systems and laws, even if it means facing arrest or other forms of adversity. This "good trouble" was always rooted in nonviolent resistance and a commitment to moral principles.

A Life Dedicated to Freedom

Born in 1940, John Lewis came of age in the deeply segregated South. From a young age, he was inspired by the words of Martin Luther King Jr. and committed himself to the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement. He quickly emerged as a courageous and steadfast leader, enduring countless arrests and brutal beatings for his participation in nonviolent protests.

Lewis was a key figure in some of the most iconic moments of the movement. As one of the original 13 Freedom Riders in 1961, he risked his life challenging segregation on interstate buses. He was a chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and was instrumental in organizing the 1963 March on Washington, where he was the youngest speaker. 

Perhaps his most famous moment came on March 7, 1965, "Bloody Sunday," when he led over 600 marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, only to be brutally attacked by state troopers. His skull was fractured, yet he remained resolute, his sacrifice galvanizing national support for voting rights.

Historical Impact on Civil Rights

Lewis's unwavering commitment to nonviolent direct action played a crucial role in dismantling legal segregation and securing voting rights for African Americans. His courage, and that of countless others, put immense pressure on the federal government to act. The horrific images from Bloody Sunday, broadcast nationwide, were a tipping point, directly contributing to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

 This landmark legislation, which outlawed discriminatory voting practices, fundamentally reshaped American democracy and remains a cornerstone of civil rights.

Lewis understood that the fight for civil rights was not just about changing laws, but about changing hearts and minds. He consistently advocated for a beloved community, where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or background.

From the Streets to the Halls of Power

After a lifetime of activism, John Lewis transitioned into a political career, bringing his deep understanding of social justice to the halls of Congress. In 1986, he was elected to represent Georgia's 5th congressional district, a position he held for 33 years until his death.

As a congressman, Lewis remained a fierce advocate for civil rights, human rights, and social justice. He championed legislation to protect voting rights, expand healthcare access, and promote educational opportunities. 

He was a consistent voice for the marginalized and the disenfranchised, never forgetting his roots or the struggles he witnessed firsthand. His moral authority in Congress was immense, earning him respect across the political spectrum, even from those who disagreed with his policies.

Activism and Partisanship

Lewis's life embodied the essence of political activism. He believed that change comes from ordinary people demanding justice and holding their leaders accountable. He never shied away from protesting, even as a sitting congressman, when he felt it was necessary to highlight an injustice. His 2016 sit-in on the House floor, demanding a vote on gun control legislation, was a powerful demonstration of his belief in direct action, even within institutional settings.

Lewis held a nuanced view toward partisanship. While he was a staunch Democrat and deeply committed to his party's platform, he often spoke of the need for unity and finding common ground. John Lewis established himself as an "independent advocate for his district, not beholden to either party" and sometimes voted against the majority in his own party on major proposals. He believed in the power of dialogue and building bridges, even with those on the opposite side of the aisle.

However, he also recognized that there were times when principles could not be compromised, and "good trouble" was necessary to move the needle towards justice. He was often referred to as the "conscience of Congress" for his consistent advocacy for justice and equality. He famously stated, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something."

John Lewis's legacy is a powerful reminder that the fight for a more just and equitable world is an ongoing endeavor. His life teaches us that courage, persistence, and a willingness to make "good trouble" are essential ingredients for progress. 

The challenges we face today may differ from those he confronted, but his call to action – to speak truth to power, to stand up for what is right, and to never give up – lives on, inspiring new generations to pick up the mantle and continue the journey towards a more perfect union.