Good Trouble Lives On: Honoring John Lewis and the Power of Necessary Trouble

By Dawn LaGuerre-

When we talk about “Good Trouble,” we’re talking about more than a catchphrase. We’re talking about a way of life—a call to action that John Lewis, the late Congressman and civil rights icon, lived every day. As communities across the Mohawk Valley and the nation gather for the Good Trouble Lives On Rally, we’re not just remembering a man. We’re recommitting ourselves to the fight for justice, equality, and democracy that defined his life.

Who Was John Lewis? A Life of Courage and Conviction

John Lewis was born in 1940 to sharecroppers in rural Alabama, growing up amidst the harsh realities of segregation in the Jim Crow South. Inspired by the courage of Rosa Parks and the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he immersed himself in the struggle for civil rights from a young age. While a student in Nashville, Tennessee, Lewis emerged as a leader during the sit-ins organized by the Nashville Student Movement. At just 23, he became the youngest speaker at the March on Washington in 1963, standing alongside legends of the Civil Rights Movement and boldly declaring, “We want our freedom, and we want it now!”

As one of the original Freedom Riders, Lewis risked his safety to challenge segregation on interstate buses. His unwavering commitment was dramatically showcased on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama, when nonviolent demonstrators, led by Lewis, were brutally beaten on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This pivotal moment not only spurred national outrage but also helped lay the groundwork for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Throughout his life, even as he served 17 terms in Congress representing Georgia’s 5th District, Lewis remained a tireless champion of voting rights, health care, education, and social justice. His integrity and unyielding moral courage earned him the nickname “the conscience of Congress” and the respect of leaders across the political spectrum.

What Is “Good Trouble”? A Blueprint for Activism

“Good Trouble, necessary trouble” is more than a memorable phrase—it is a philosophy that shaped John Lewis’s approach to activism. As a young man, he heard his parents advise him to “stay out of trouble.” Yet, Lewis recognized that some trouble is essential when confronting systemic injustice. In his own words, he urged us never to be afraid to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” emphasizing that the struggle against inequality is an ongoing battle that calls for courage and perseverance.

Lewis’s call for “Good Trouble” was not just a spur-of-the-moment slogan during protests; it was a guiding principle that helped fuel monumental changes in American society. His nonviolent protests, rooted in deep moral conviction, forced the nation to confront uncomfortable truths about racial discrimination and voting inequality. Even when faced with violence and adversity, his insistence on nonviolent resistance demonstrated that ethical steadfastness could inspire transformative change.

The Enduring Impact of John Lewis’s Legacy in 2025

Five years after his passing, the spirit of John Lewis’s “Good Trouble” continues to infuse the fight for civil rights. In 2025, debates over voting rights and racial justice remain more than academic—they are lived realities. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, reintroduced this year, seeks to restore vital protections weakened by court decisions and modern voter suppression tactics. This legislation stands as a testament to the enduring need to safeguard democracy, echoing Lewis’s lifelong battle against inequities in the voting process.

Across the nation, peaceful protests and community events under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On” have galvanized activists. On July 17, 2025, thousands gathered nationwide to demand fair elections, stand against racial injustice, and resist efforts to roll back civil and human rights. In Utica, at the Federal Building on Broad Street, community speakers like Reverend Sharon Baugh and Mrs. Freddie Hamilton will remind us that the fight for justice is as crucial today as it was during Lewis’s era. His call to “make some noise” continues to resonate in every protest and every call for action against the authoritarian efforts threatening our freedoms.

The Power—and the Challenge—of Nonviolent Action

Critics sometimes argue that nonviolent protest alone cannot dismantle entrenched systems of discrimination and voter suppression. They caution that the strategies of the past may not fully address the complexities of modern political challenges. However, history shows that nonviolent resistance has led to profound societal changes. John Lewis once said, “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred,” reminding us that ethical, peaceful resistance is a powerful tool in the struggle for democracy.

As we confront new challenges in this polarized political climate, Lewis’s message transcends partisan politics. His insistence on civic responsibility and moral courage calls on all who believe in fair and inclusive democracy to stand together. The ongoing commitment to “Good Trouble” proves that the spirit of nonviolent protest remains as relevant—and necessary—as ever.

Continuing the Conversation

John Lewis’s legacy serves as both a reminder and a mandate: the fight for justice is a continuous journey. His life teaches us that each act of courage, no matter how small, can spark larger movements for change. As we gather in Utica and participate in events nationwide, we are not merely paying tribute to an individual—we are embracing a way of life that challenges injustice at every turn.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Tell us how you are getting in “Good Trouble” in your community. Let’s continue this vital conversation and ensure that the legacy of John Lewis, and the call for necessary trouble, lives on in our actions every day.