The Inspiration: John Lewis and “Good Trouble”
In a city marked by its vibrant activism and deep-rooted commitment to civil rights, San Jose, California, became the stage for a powerful display of unity and resistance on July 18th. On this day—what would have been the birthday of the legendary Congressman John Lewis—hundreds gathered at Cesar Chavez Plaza for the “Good Trouble” march, an event organized both to honor Lewis’ enduring legacy and to voice collective opposition to the political rhetoric and actions of former president Donald Trump. Against a backdrop of banners, chants, and the summer sun, the Good Trouble march became a living tribute to the spirit of protest that Lewis himself embodied—a call not only to remember history but to actively shape the future.
To understand the meaning behind the march, one must first understand the man whose life inspired it. John Lewis, who passed away in 2020, rose from humble beginnings in rural Alabama to become a titan of the civil rights movement and a longtime member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He was known not simply for his legislative achievements, but for his unwavering belief in the power of nonviolent protest. At the heart of Lewis’ message was the idea of “good trouble”—the necessary disruption, agitation, and confrontation required to bring about true social change.
Lewis’ own life was marked by such courage. From leading the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, Lewis repeatedly put his body and his freedom on the line. For him, “good trouble” was not only his personal philosophy but a rallying cry for future generations: to challenge injustice wherever it appears, to hold leaders accountable, and to never be silent in the face of hate.
San Jose’s Call to Action
On July 18th, activists of all ages, backgrounds, and affiliations responded to that call. Organizers, comprised of local civil rights groups, faith leaders, youth organizers, and community members, chose Cesar Chavez Plaza as the site for both its symbolic and practical resonance. The plaza itself is named after another American icon of activism, further cementing the event’s connection to the nation’s broader history of peaceful protest.
Participants began to gather in the late morning, filling the plaza with a palpable sense of anticipation and resolve. Many wore shirts emblazoned with Lewis’ words—“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble”—while others carried homemade signs denouncing Donald Trump’s recent statements and policies, or calling for unity, justice, and the protection of voting rights. The air was filled with the sounds of drumming, chanting, and the steady hum of purposeful conversation.
A Peaceful, Powerful March
With banners held high and a sense of unity driving them forward, marchers left Cesar Chavez Plaza and wound their way through the streets of downtown San Jose. The route, carefully coordinated with city officials, took participants past key civic landmarks, including the county courthouse and city hall. Along the way, passersby joined the march, some cheering from sidewalks, others snapping photos or waving from balconies.
Volunteers handed out water, snacks, and face masks, ensuring that the march remained safe and accessible for all. Police officers maintained a respectful presence, directing traffic and offering support as needed—an arrangement organizers credited to weeks of careful planning and open dialogue between activists and local authorities. Upon arriving at city hall, the organizers handed out chalk to the participants, and many wrote colorful slogans demanding equal rights for immigrants and other comments denouncing the outrageous current events of Trumps uncontrolled presidency.
Honoring John Lewis’ Birthday
The timing of the march was no accident. Organizers intentionally aligned the event with what would have been Lewis’ 85th birthday, turning the day into both a remembrance and a recommitment. Before the march began, speakers took to a small stage at the heart of the plaza to share stories of Lewis’ influence on their lives. Some recalled hearing Lewis speak in person, others cited his autobiography as a roadmap for their own activism, and young leaders read aloud from Lewis’ speeches, their voices echoing across the assembled crowd.
A moment of silence was held to honor both Lewis and other lost giants of justice. This reflective pause was followed by a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem, which brought many attendees to tears.
Protest Against Donald Trump
Yet while the day was imbued with reverence, it was also charged with a fierce urgency. Throughout the event, speakers and participants alike voiced their opposition to Donald Trump. For many, the former president represented a threat to the very ideals for which Lewis had fought: voting rights, equality, and the rule of law. Chants of “No Justice, No Peace,” “Say His Name—John Lewis!” and “Trump, You Can’t Divide Us!” rang out as the crowd prepared to march.
Organizers highlighted Trump’s recent statements on voting rights, immigration, and policing as a catalyst for renewed activism. They reminded attendees that the struggle for justice is far from over, especially in a time when misinformation, division, and attacks on democratic institutions are on the rise.
Art, Music, and the Spirit of Community
Beyond protest, the Good Trouble march was also a celebration of community. Local artists constructed a temporary mural at the plaza, inviting attendees to add their own messages of hope and resistance. Musicians performed on makeshift stages, blending protest songs, hip-hop, and spoken word poetry. Food vendors served soul food, tacos, and vegan fare, creating a festive yet purposeful atmosphere.
The day’s events included voter registration drives, information booths on civil rights issues, and teach-ins led by local educators. Children participated in art projects honoring Lewis, while elders shared recollections of the civil rights era, connecting past and present.
The Message Resounds
As the march concluded and the sun began to set over San Jose, organizers gathered the crowd once more in Cesar Chavez Plaza for closing remarks. They reiterated the importance of ongoing action—not just on John Lewis’ birthday, but every day. The struggle for justice, they reminded attendees, is not a single event but a lifelong commitment.
Echoing Lewis’ own words, one speaker declared, “Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” The crowd erupted in applause, their voices blending into a collective promise to continue the work that Lewis began.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy Continues
The Good Trouble march in San Jose was, in many ways, a microcosm of a national movement—a testament to the enduring power of protest and the unbreakable threads that bind past, present, and future struggles for justice. In honoring John Lewis’ birthday, participants recommitted themselves to the ideals of equality, courage, and hope.
As the plaza slowly emptied and the city returned to its daily rhythm, the echoes of chants, music, and shared purpose lingered. For those who marched, July 18th was more than a commemoration; it was a spark—a reminder that, in the spirit of John Lewis, making “good trouble” is both a privilege and a responsibility.
In a world where injustice persists and democracy is often tested, the people of San Jose showed that the fight for justice is alive and well. And as long as there are those willing to march, to speak, and to stand together, the legacy of John Lewis—and the call to make good trouble—will never fade.