Boston rally honors John Lewis legacy
Demonstrators gathered in Boston as part of the nationwide “Good Trouble Persist” rally, protesting against President Trump’s policies while honoring the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis. The event, organized by a coalition including ACLU-MA and Indivisible Mass Coalition, began in Copley Square and proceeded along Commonwealth Avenue to Boston Common, culminating in a rally at Liberty Mall near the State House. Participants advocated for civil rights, particularly for immigrant and marginalized communities, carrying signs supporting workers’ rights, voting rights, and protections for various groups, while expressing opposition to aggressive immigration enforcement and perceived authoritarianism in national leadership.
The rally emphasized the ethos of “good trouble,” promoting peaceful civil disobedience to challenge injustice and defend democracy. Activists called for legislative changes, including the John Lewis Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act. Additionally, the event integrated mutual aid efforts, with representatives collecting donations of lightweight medical supplies, socks, and snacks for residents experiencing homelessness.
This demonstration was part of a broader movement, with thousands participating in “Good Trouble” actions across over 280 cities in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The Boston rally addressed recent political developments, such as the SAVE Act targeting voting access, ongoing immigration enforcement actions, and efforts to criminalize protest. It underscored a pattern of civic engagement in the city, including previous protests advocating for immigrant justice and responses to federal policy changes. The event highlighted the importance of nonviolent, community-led advocacy and the enduring relevance of John Lewis’s vision of moral courage and active citizenship in the ongoing fight for democracy.
