On July 17, a rally called Good Trouble Lives On took place in Boston, commemorating the anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis’s death. The rally was part of a national protest against President Donald Trump’s administration.
Hundreds gathered in Copley Square under the shining sun before marching to Boston Common. The event drew a diverse crowd, including small children, teenagers, and adults of all ages, united by a common purpose: to voice their discontent.
“I think it’s very important for the administration to realize people are out there, and they’re not stopping, and they’re not giving up,” said Fiona Patturson, an attendee from Waltham. “If we have to do this for a whole four years, that’s what we’ll do; but it’s also important for the people who are being victimized to know that there are people out here that care about you and you are not alone in that.”
Signage at the event highlighted key messages like “unite for democracy” and “dissent is patriotic,” reflecting the rally’s aims. John Lewis is well-remembered for his concept of “good trouble,” which underscored the importance of civil disobedience during the civil rights movement—a call that resonates today as protesters aim to “defend democracy.”
Kylie Ariel Bemis, who spoke at the rally and serves on the board of Mass 50501, emphasized the role of good trouble in bringing people together to fulfill the legacy of liberty and justice for all.
The event was organized by various groups working in coalition, including Mass 50501, ACLU Massachusetts, The New Democracy Coalition, and Boston Indivisible. These organizations aimed to protect civil rights and ensure free and fair elections, as outlined in their demands for the national day of action.
“This is very much a nationwide movement for people who see this threat to our democracy and freedoms,” Bemis stated. She highlighted concerns about the increasing militarization of U.S. cities and the dangers faced by immigrants.
Thursday’s rally followed a pattern of growing dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly since his return to office last year. Boston has previously hosted several similar events as part of a broader pushback against the administration and its allies.
“Within Mass 50501, we are really trying to take advantage of any of the big national days of protest to make sure that Boston has a strong presence as part of the overall movement to protect American democracy and our freedoms,” Bemis explained.
Attendees were treated to motivational speeches from various representatives and musicians. Rev. Kevin C. Peterson, founder and executive director of The New Democracy Coalition, inspired the crowd with personal stories and calls to action, while the Good Trouble Brass Band played lively tunes in between speakers.
“It does give a little bit of hope in all of the chaos,” said Sofia Olsson, an attendee from East Boston.
Direct goals of the rally included advocating for the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and challenging the administration’s deportation policies, which many participants opposed. Olsson remarked, “Good trouble is about disrupting. We aren’t breaking any laws. We aren’t hurting anybody, but we are disrupting, and we’re making it known to people that we’re upset.”
Participants described their need to reclaim agency within what they perceive as an oppressive system. Boston’s immigrant population, which numbers about 28% of the city’s residents, was a central concern of the rally. They called for an end to discrimination against marginalized communities, underscoring the importance of a safe environment for all.
According to Mass 50501, the rally’s demands included the immediate withdrawal of masked ICE agents and federal troops from American communities. “We’ll need to take many more actions to protect our democracy going forward,” Bemis stated. “It really comes down to who gets to be a person in the United States and who gets to have a voice in our democracy.”
Some attendees expressed that President Trump’s policies have strayed from constitutional principles. Issues ranging from access to reproductive healthcare to federal funding cuts for public broadcasting have triggered widespread dissatisfaction across the country.
“It’s not enough to sit home and just watch it on TV—you gotta get out and do something and be a voice of dissent,” urged Patturson. “We’re not giving up easily, and we’re never going away.”
The Boston rally encapsulated not only a local response to national issues but also a collective movement advocating for democracy and equality, echoing John Lewis’s legacy of standing up for civil rights.
image source from：thescopeboston
