Making Some Good Trouble: Protesters Recommit to Vision of John Lewis

A “Good Trouble Lives On” protest, one of hundreds across the country on Thursday, about 200 people gathered at Stamford’s Government Center in a tribute to civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis who died five years ago, on July 17.

Congressman Lewis coined the phrase “Good Trouble” to refer to non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. The event was also a peaceful protest against President Trump’s policies, especially those related to immigration and healthcare.

Michelle Abt from Indivisible Stamford shared a quote from Congressman Lewis she said was appropriate for the moment: “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something and you have to do something.”

The featured speaker was Erick Russell, the first Black LGBTQ person to be elected to statewide office in the United States. He talked about recommitting to Congressman Lewis’s vision of democracy.

“It’s an opportunity commit to the work, to commit to his vision of a democracy that includes everyone – where everyone can thrive, where everyone is respected, where everyone’s rights are protected, no matter what you look like or where you’re from or who you love, or how much money you have in your pocket,” Russell said.

“We come together today in the spirit of John Lewis to remind folks that as difficult as these times may be, we will never be afraid to make some noise and get into some good and necessary trouble,” Russell said to cheers and applause.

Mr. Russell described unprecedented attacks against communities.

“We are seeing an erosion of rights. We are seeing voting rights – which John Lewis cared so much about – under attack, efforts to create chasms between people with the ultimate goal of dividing us, and pushing people apart, which the President knows weakens us. It allows him to do this ugly work. We’ve seen attacks on some of the most vulnerable communities in our country.”

He said budgets were being passed that gut the safety net, that take away access to health care for children and seniors, that cut food assistance for families who are most in need, that gut education and erode support for housing assistance and housing stability for families across the country.

“Say no more to mothers being snatched up while they are dropping their kids off at the bus stop, or kids being arrested at college campuses for using their voices and speaking up for what they believe in, say no more to passing on trillions of dollars to our young people as we add to the deficit while we cut taxes for millionaires, billionaires and massive corporations in this country. No more!”

Another speaker was Tracey Bass who talked about participating in the “New Canaan Experiment” in 1975. The program was started in 1969, and had the goal of fostering cultural understanding and diversity by sending Black student teachers from Norfolk State University in Virginia to predominantly white public schools in New Canaan.

She said in the New Canaan Experiment student interns lived with host families for 12 weeks, gradually taking on full teaching responsibilities.

Ms Bass said back in 1975 she was hosted by the family of then First Selectman of New Canaan, Henry Noble.

“While living with my host family I taught students unfamiliar with Black professionals and quietly challenged social norms through everyday engagement. This experiment wasn’t just an educational program. It was a deliberate act of good trouble, using presence and empathy to break down barriers.”

She noted that Mr. Lewis was arrested over 40 times over his lifetime during peaceful protests, becoming known on Capital Hill for his unwavering commitment to justice.

Ms Bass said the New Canaan Experiment embodied Congressman Lewis’s legacy.

“Challenging segregated comfort zones and building bridges in daily life. Just as Lewis crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, I crossed social divides in unchartered territory. I entered homes and classrooms in New Canaan, Connecticut as a Black female professional from the south, which has never been done.”

After participating in the New Canaan Experiment, Ms Bass stayed in Connecticut and taught in Stamford Public Schools for 47 years.

After the formal program outside Government Center, protesters lined Washington Boulevard with their signs, while drivers of cars and trucks honked to show their support.