News Summary
Community groups in Jacksonville, Florida, will hold a rally on July 17 at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park to commemorate National John Lewis Day. The event, part of the ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ initiative, will address civil rights challenges, focusing on voting rights and activism. Speakers will include civil rights activists discussing the legacy of John Lewis and the importance of citizen engagement. Accessibility measures, including ASL interpreters, will be in place to ensure all community members can participate in honoring Lewis’s legacy.
Jacksonville – Community groups in Jacksonville, Florida, will convene on Thursday, July 17, at A. Philip Randolph Heritage Park to commemorate National John Lewis Day with a rally focused on civil rights. This gathering is part of a larger initiative called “Good Trouble Lives On,” which aims to address ongoing challenges to civil rights, particularly those related to the freedom to vote, protest, and organize, inspired by the teachings of Rep. John Lewis.
The rally is organized by local groups such as Beaches Activist Movement and Florida Rising, and will feature a variety of speakers who will discuss critical issues surrounding civil rights and the importance of voting. Confirmed speakers include Rodney Hurst, an award-winning author and civil rights activist, who will talk about “Remembering the Life and Legacy of John Lewis.” Other speakers include Pastor Lee Harris, focusing on “Souls to the Polls: Making Voting Accessible in Jacksonville,” and Echo Nova, who will address “Advocating for the Disabled.” Additionally, Pastor R.L. Gundy and Jeniah D. Jones will discuss the significance of voting and citizen engagement, respectively.
To ensure accessibility for all attendees, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present during the event. The presenters will emphasize the importance of nonviolent actions and de-escalating confrontations as a core principle of the “Good Trouble Lives On” initiative.
This initiative aims to counteract the rollback of civil rights that has been observed especially during the Trump administration, with nearly 100 events across the United States registered by June 18, including five in Florida. The official website, goodtroubleliveson.org, highlights these civil rights challenges and encourages public participation through peaceful protests and activism.
John Lewis, a prominent civil rights leader, passed away on July 17, 2020. He is best remembered for his dedication to nonviolent protest and organizing, exemplified by his participation in the pivotal marches during the Civil Rights Movement, including the historic march on “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama.
The rally in Jacksonville is an effort to honor Lewis’s legacy and promote his philosophy of “good trouble,” which advocates for activism in the quest for civil rights and justice. As part of the broader movement to secure voting rights and protection for marginalized communities, participants will engage in a mix of rallies, marches, teach-ins, press conferences, and vigils aimed at empowering citizens and protecting democracy.
Community members interested in supporting this cause are encouraged to attend the event and participate in various nonviolent actions that uphold the freedoms inspired by John Lewis’s life work. The Jacksonville rally represents a commitment to standing against civil rights attacks while celebrating the contributions of Lewis to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for all individuals.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Jacksonville Groups Celebrate John Lewis Day
- History: Selma and the Bloody Sunday Attack
- Naples News: Good Trouble Lives On in Florida
- Google Search: Civil Rights
- Quinn-Shalz: John Moore Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jonathan Lewis
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
