On the Shelby County Decision Anniversary, “Good Trouble Lives On” National Day of Action (July 17th) Climbs to 400 Events and Counting
Americans will make “Good Trouble” to protect civil rights, stop criminalization of marginalized groups and secure social programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As of Wednesday, more than 400 events across the United States (and counting) are already scheduled to engage in “Good Trouble Lives On;” John Lewis National Day of Action on July 17. The announcement comes, as 12 years ago today, the Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) in the case of Shelby County v. Holder.
Since the decision, state lawmakers have passed a wave of restrictive state voting laws targeting marginalized groups including Black and Brown voters. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, in the year 2024 alone, at least 10 states enacted 19 restrictive voting laws. Overall, lawmakers in at least 40 states considered at least 317 restrictive bills last year. These restrictions pile on the recent attacks against our communities and individuals’ civil rights by the Trump administration.
In memory of the late civil rights leader, U.S. Congressman John Lewis, we will take to the streets, courthouses and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights and dignity for all. We demand an end to:
The Trump administration’s extreme crackdown on our civil rights – from our right to vote to our right to protest and speak freely.
Politicians and lawmakers targeting Black and Brown Americans, immigrants, trans people and others with hateful, dangerous policies.
The wealthy and well-connected slashing programs that working people rely on – including Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security – to line their own pockets.
“The John Lewis Day of Action is an important day to announce that the fight for voting and political rights lives on,” said April Albright national legal director and acting chief of staff of Black Voters Matter. “This day and every day beyond is an important day to lift our voices in every city in this country that we believe in a multicultural democracy where all who live here share in power, resources and wealth. In honor of John Lewis, we at Black Voters Matter and so many organizations will not stop until we have won.”
“In our lifetime, we have rarely seen the attack on minorities— both Black Americans and immigrants, which is happening on the front lines and in full view of the world,” said Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters. “In moments like this, we cannot forget how John Lewis inspired and trained us for this moment. We must rise up to stop this authoritarian attempt to weaken our country. We must demand the rights and freedoms we all fought for. The time to show our collective power is now; we must unite and rise."
“We are honored to continue the ‘Make Good Trouble’ legacy of Congressman John Lewis. During these trying times,” said Barbara Arnwine and Daryl Jones co-leaders of the Transformative Justice Coalition. “John Lewis’ quest for justice is particularly meaningful for our democracy. Everyone can participate in this John Lewis National Day of Action. We encourage everyone to remember that our democracy belongs to the people and we look forward to seeing everyone getting off the sidewalks and getting into the streets to become involved in protecting and building a more robust, more inclusive and more representative Democracy.”
“We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations. John Lewis didn’t wait for permission to demand change as a young activist or congressman — and neither will we,” said Allison Pulliam and Christine Wood, co-directors of the Declaration for American Democracy Coalition. “He taught us the power of people coming together for peaceful collective action. This is our moment to carry the torch, continue the legacy of John Lewis and pass it forward to future generations. Whether you're outraged by attacks on our civil rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors or the assault on free speech and our right to organize, we invite you to join us on July 17th in making Good Trouble.”
For news inquiries contact media@goodtroubleliveson.org.
Good Trouble Lives On is led by Transformative Justice Coalition, Black Voters Matter, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, League of Women Voters, the Declaration for American Democracy Coalition, Mi Familia en Acción and more. For more information on Good Trouble Lives On, please visit goodtroubleliveson.org.