to Honor John Lewis and Defend Democracy
UTICA – On Thursday, July 17, in excess of 200 residents gathered in Utica as part of Good Trouble Lives On — a nationwide day of action honoring the life and legacy of civil rights hero and Congressman, John Lewis.
The local event was one of over 1600 coordinated actions across the country. Local participants and those across the nation chanted, sang, rallied, and made “good trouble” to demand an end to the growing attacks on voting rights, civil liberties, and essential public programs.
Mrs. Freddie Hamilton spoke about the impact of John Lewis’ life on our nation’s history, including that he fought for the rights of all people and lived by the ideal of getting in good trouble, necessary trouble. Aziah Armani Clark, a recent Proctor H.S. graduate and Mohawk Valley Junior Frontiers member, provided a moving reading of John Lewis’s final essay “Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation.” Reverend Sharon Baugh delivered a powerful speech on racial justice, voting rights, and inclusive democracy. She called the crowd to action saying, “You know ‘that’ you know people who are supporters of this administration, some of them are even in your family. Love them anyway. Love people anyway, but get in good trouble.” 
Local participants gave some of the following reasons for attending:
“Good Trouble means standing up for what’s right. John Lewis was the epitome of good trouble. He was beaten and jailed and whatever little things we can do pale in comparison. I am honored to come out to honor him. And, I love that this is all peaceful.” -Elizabeth from New Hartford
Helen from Clinton shared “I don’t like seeing people incarcerated for doing nothing. So I’m coming here because I’m afraid for them. Afraid for them and for me. Maybe they come after me next. You don’t know. It’s not right.”
“Protesting — peaceful assembly–is our first and last defense” -Jan Wilson of Sauquoit
“I went to Selma in 2019, to see the history. I met people who lived through that. I think about that time and what they did and I think the least we can do is stand up with a sign.” -Betsy from Herkimer Co.
Tracy from Clinton stated that “In ‘74-’75 we marched, it was our right. We had free speech. If we were arrested it was a badge of honor. We spent a night in the local jail; we wouldn’t be disappeared”
“John Lewis marched with Martin Luther King Junior. He was always for the people, for their rights. Everything he did was for others. I hate where we are now.” -Mary from Rome
“What brings me out is the memory of John Lewis, the bravery, no matter what, he continued on.” -Mary Lynn from Newport
In the spirit of Congressman Lewis’ legacy, participants committed to continuing the fight for a multiracial democracy where every voice counts and every person has the freedom to thrive.
The rally was sponsored locally by Indivisible Mohawk Valley, NAACP Utica-Oneida County Branch, the Oneida County Democratic Committee, The Interfaith Coalition, Unitarian Universalist Church of Utica, and the Oneida County Democratic Women’s Club.
