On March 21, 2025, a rally in La Jolla, California, commemorated the legacy of late civil rights leader and United States representative John Lewis while simultaneously protesting the current administration. This gathering marked the fifth anniversary of Lewis’ passing, and attendees aimed to celebrate his contributions to civil rights and advocate for ongoing social justice issues.
Legacy of John Lewis and Call to Action
The rally commenced at 17:15 and lasted for over 45 minutes, drawing participants from various backgrounds and locations. Susan Liberman, one of the event organizers, emphasized the need for unity beyond political affiliations. “We have to stand here, not for Democrats or Republicans, red or blue, but for every person who’s being hurt,” she stated.
While many came to honor Lewis, others were motivated primarily by their opposition to the current government. Z Kripke, an 87-year-old activist and former pediatrician, expressed her determination to continue participating in protests. “I’m accumulating rallies. It has nothing to do with John Lewis,” she remarked, highlighting her long-standing commitment to activism. Kripke found the La Jolla rally particularly significant due to the community’s diverse opinions.
Participants included individuals from outside the region as well. Brent Ferguson, visiting family from the East Coast, joined the protest, holding a copy of On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. “This is celebrating the life and the legacy of John Lewis on the anniversary of his death five years ago,” Ferguson noted, adding that monthly protests are organized to address pressing societal issues.
Embodying the Spirit of “Good Trouble”
John Lewis served in the House of Representatives for 33 years, advocating for civil rights and social justice until his death at the age of 80 in 2020. Previously, he chaired the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement through nonviolent protests. Lewis was often associated with the phrase “good trouble,” a concept he championed to promote peaceful activism as a means of effecting change.
At the La Jolla rally, attendees carried signs featuring Lewis’s impactful words, including the poignant phrase, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Among them, Nancy Vincent and Cary Shillington expressed their intent to create “a little bit of good trouble” in the spirit of Lewis.
The rally was marked by supportive honks from passing cars and spontaneous chants from the crowd. “Show me what democracy looks like!” someone called, and the crowd responded, “This is what democracy looks like!” This dynamic exchange underscored the rally’s focus on civic engagement and the pursuit of justice.
The La Jolla event was part of a broader series of rallies held throughout San Diego on the same day, with similar gatherings taking place across the United States to honor Lewis’s legacy and advocate for crucial social issues. Participants demonstrated a strong commitment to activism, ensuring that the message of John Lewis remains alive and relevant in today’s political landscape.
