On July 17 community members gathered outside Wellesley Town Hall to remember Congressman John Lewis and his lifelong work for civil rights and nonviolent protest. The event, part of the nationwide Good Trouble Lives On day of action, marked five years since Lewis’s passing and reinforced his message about peaceful protest and civic participation.
The rally ran from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at 525 Washington Street. Attendees brought signs, flags, and messages of hope, showing support along the town green. Organized partly by the League of Women Voters, the event reflected Lewis’s belief in the power of collective nonviolent action to challenge injustice and protect civil rights.
Chants reminded the crowd of Lewis’s role not just as a Congressman but as a frontline civil rights activist. They highlighted the ongoing fight to protect voting rights and democracy, especially as concerns about voter suppression continue.
This event was not limited to Wellesley. Good Trouble Lives On events took place across the country on July 17 in courthouses, town squares, and community spaces. The phrase “good trouble,” coined by Lewis, has become a call for peaceful resistance and civic responsibility. Organizers stressed the importance of staying peaceful and lawful even when faced with opposition.
The Wellesley rally brought together a mix of residents, families, students, and activists showing the town’s ongoing commitment to civic engagement and social justice. As the event ended, participants were reminded that honoring Lewis means not just remembering the past but continuing the work he started…