As debates over voting rights, diversity initiatives and civil rights protections continue nationwide, community organizations across Jacksonville are joining a national “Good Trouble Lives On” weekend to honor the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis while encouraging civic engagement and voter participation.
The three-day event, July 17-19, is built around Lewis’ lifelong call to make “good trouble” in the pursuit of justice. Organizers say this year’s theme — Teach. Reach. Preach. — reflects a growing urgency to educate communities, register voters and preserve the history of the Civil Rights Movement at a time they believe many of those gains are under pressure.
“Good Trouble” was Lewis’ description of the nonviolent activism that challenged segregation and expanded voting rights during the Civil Rights Movement.
The weekend begins Friday evening with a community gathering at the IBEW Hall featuring food, music, inspirational speakers and a food drive for local families.
Saturday shifts the focus to civic engagement with voter registration drives, neighborhood canvassing, virtual phone banks and a protest highlighting concerns about voting access. Participants will also gather at Jacksonville’s historic Greyhound bus station to dedicate a U.S. Civil Rights Trail marker honoring the Freedom Riders, including Jacksonville native Hank Thomas, the last surviving Freedom Rider.
The weekend concludes Sunday with “250 Years, 250 Voices,” a community conversation reflecting on those who helped shape America over the past 250 years, followed by a candlelight vigil at Memorial Park honoring Florida’s civil rights heroes who sacrificed their lives fighting for equality.
The events are being organized by Indivisible Mandarin and a coalition of local civic organizations, including the NAACP, League of Women Voters, Beaches Activists Movement, 50501 Northeast Florida and other community partners.
Founded after the 2016 election, Indivisible has grown into a national grassroots network with more than one million members advocating for voting rights, democratic participation and progressive public policy. Organizers say the weekend is intended to inspire civic action while reminding participants that the fight for equal opportunity did not end with the Civil Rights Movement.
With Jacksonville expected to play an important role in Florida’s upcoming elections, organizers hope the weekend will encourage residents not only to remember the sacrifices of previous generations but also to become active participants in shaping the future through community service, education and the ballot box.
Check out indivisible.org to get involved or, if local to the Mandarin area of Jacksonville, contact Indivisible Mandarin at ind.mandarin@gmail.com
