Florida ‘Good Trouble’ Rallies Set to Mark Lewis Anniversary

Download IPFS

Dozens of protests are scheduled across Florida on July 17, part of a larger national effort commemorating the late Congressman John Lewis and opposing President Donald Trump’s past policies. The rallies, organized by the “Good Trouble Lives On” coalition, claim to stand in defence of civil liberties and constitutional rights.

The demonstrations fall on the fifth anniversary of the death of John Lewis, a prominent civil rights leader and long-serving member of the United States House of Representatives. Known for his pivotal role in the 1963 March on Washington and his advocacy for nonviolent protest, Lewis famously encouraged Americans to get into “good trouble, necessary trouble” to advance justice. That message has become a rallying cry for this latest campaign.

Organisers of the “Good Trouble” events are the same coalition that led the June “No Kings” protests, a movement also aimed at criticising former President Trump’s tenure. This week’s gatherings are billed as a response to what they call “a rollback of civil rights,” referencing issues such as voting regulations, public service funding, and concerns about the erosion of free speech and the right to peaceful assembly.

The website for “Good Trouble Lives On” claims the country is experiencing the most severe threats to civil rights in decades. “Whether you’re outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbours, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest, this movement is for you,” it reads. The statement echoes the tone of recent left-leaning protest movements, but organisers have made a point to emphasise peaceful and lawful conduct at all events.

Across Florida, at least 49 separate rallies are planned, spanning urban centres and smaller communities alike. Some cities are expected to host multiple events, often near courthouses or city halls. Organisers have urged participants to avoid confrontation and explicitly warned against bringing any weapons, to prevent any escalation with opposing groups or law enforcement.

While political protests are not uncommon, the “Good Trouble” campaign’s broad claims may draw both support and scrutiny. Critics of such movements often argue that they rely heavily on emotionally charged rhetoric and offer few realistic solutions. Supporters, however, see them as a necessary public response to policies they view as harmful to individual freedoms.

The name of the protest movement draws directly from a 2018 message Lewis shared on social media: “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” That legacy continues to inspire activist groups who view Lewis as a symbol of principled resistance.

Although former President Donald Trump is no longer in office, his policies and influence remain flashpoints in American politics. The “Good Trouble” protests reflect ongoing divisions in how the country interprets issues of justice, governance, and personal liberty. With Florida hosting nearly 50 events, the state once again finds itself at the centre of national attention.