Chillicothe Residents Set to Join ‘Good Trouble’ Rally on July 17

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Residents of Chillicothe are preparing to take part in the “Good Trouble Lives On” rally, a peaceful demonstration planned for July 17 to highlight concerns over civil liberties and honor the legacy of Congressman John Lewis.

The gathering, which will run from 4:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., is set to take place outside the Ross County Courthouse. Organizers say the event is part of a coordinated effort among hundreds of groups nationwide to draw attention to what they view as ongoing challenges to basic rights. The rally’s name comes from Lewis’s well-known encouragement to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble,” a phrase that became a hallmark of his decades-long advocacy for equal treatment under the law.

According to the official Good Trouble website, “good trouble” refers to collective, non-violent action aimed at confronting injustice and fostering meaningful change in communities. Supporters describe the rally as a way to inspire civic engagement without resorting to hostility or violence.

Organizers have emphasized that the demonstration is intended to be respectful and constructive, reflecting the spirit of Congressman Lewis’s message. They noted that while political divisions remain sharp in many parts of the country, the event seeks to remind participants of their shared responsibility to uphold constitutional freedoms.

The “Good Trouble Lives On” movement began five years ago, shortly after the passing of Lewis, who served in the United States House of Representatives and became an enduring figure in the civil rights movement. Event planners hope the Chillicothe gathering will reinforce the importance of peaceful assembly as a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.