News Summary
On July 17, Unity Park in Greenville hosted a gathering to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’s passing. The event, part of the nationwide initiative ‘Good Trouble Lives On,’ celebrated Lewis’s dedication to civil rights and social justice. Speakers like community advocate Daviti Mathis emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for equality. Similar events, including a silent march in Birmingham, Alabama, paid tribute to Lewis’s impact on voting rights and social change, showcasing renewed commitments to his legacy across various communities.
Greenville, SC
On July 17, a large group gathered at Unity Park in Greenville to honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his death. The event was part of a nationwide initiative titled “Good Trouble Lives On,” designed to celebrate Lewis’s enduring commitment to civil rights and social justice through nonviolent resistance. Attendees participated in speeches, dances, and songs, emphasizing the importance of continuing Lewis’s fight for equality.
Among the speakers at Unity Park was community advocate Daviti Mathis, who discussed Lewis’s evolution from a student activist to a U.S. representative. Mathis highlighted Lewis’s dedication to equality, referencing his well-known phrase about making “good trouble,” which represents the ongoing need for nonviolent resistance to address injustices within society. The gathering was organized by the Greenville Progressive Coalition and included calls for social change in light of ongoing discrimination affecting various communities.
A parallel event took place in Birmingham, Alabama, where local leaders and community members paid tribute to Lewis’s contributions through a wreath-laying ceremony at Kelly Ingram Park. The Birmingham event featured a four-block march that served as a silent stand for voting rights, drawing parallels to the civil rights struggles Lewis was instrumental in during the 1960s. Participants were encouraged to reflect on Lewis’s legacy and his belief in the necessity of fighting injustice while advocating for unity among all people.
Commemorations were also reported in other Alabama cities such as Tuscaloosa and Anniston, where communities participated in similar “good trouble” initiatives aimed at honoring Lewis’s life and promoting civic engagement. These events reflected a collective memory of Lewis’s lifelong dedication to civil rights and a commitment to continuing his work.
Meanwhile, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, over 300 individuals rallied outside the courthouse to mark the anniversary of Lewis’s passing while protesting the actions of the previous Trump administration. This peaceful rally encouraged participants to consider the implications of policy decisions on various social justice issues. Melissa Lowrance, a member of the Henderson City Council, noted her satisfaction with both the turnout and the peaceful nature of the gathering.
Activists at the Hendersonville event displayed signs advocating for significant social issues such as voting rights and social safety net programs, highlighting a broader push against perceived injustices. The peaceful demeanor of the rally exemplified the unity among attendees, aligning with the values promoted by Lewis throughout his career.
John Lewis, who represented Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020, was a prominent figure in nonviolent protests against Jim Crow laws and played a crucial role in the civil rights movement. His legacy as a champion of social justice continues to inspire generations of activists committed to equality and nonviolent resistance.
The national day of action, “Good Trouble Lives On,” served not only as a remembrance of Lewis’s contributions but also as a reminder of the continued battles against discrimination and injustice faced by various communities. Keynote speaker Andy Aydin, who worked closely with Lewis, spoke on the importance of nonviolent civil disobedience in raising awareness and advancing social justice causes, further driving home the essence of Lewis’s enduring impact.
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Additional Resources
- Greenville Online
- WYFF4
- WVTM13
- Blue Ridge Now
- Charlotte Observer
- Wikipedia: John Lewis (civil rights leader)
- Google Search: John Lewis Good Trouble
- Google Scholar: John Lewis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Lewis
- Google News: John Lewis legacy
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
