HOWELL — Hundreds of protesters lined Grand River Avenue in downtown Howell during the nationwide “Good Trouble Lives On” protests July 17.
The protest ran 4-6 p.m. in front of the Historic Livingston County Courthouse. It was one of roughly 60 planned protests across Michigan and one of over 1,000 scheduled across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
The protests, organizers said, were scheduled to take a stand against President Donald Trump’s administration and continue the annual commemoration of the late congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis, who represented Georgia for 33 years and died in 2020.
Livingston County residents participate in “Good Trouble Lives On,” a series of nationwide protests, on July 17 in downtown Howell.
The weather in Howell was overcast, but that didn’t cloud the energy of protesters, who played upbeat music and blew bubbles. Signs waved, many calling for peace and action. Passing cars honked in support.
One protester, Angela Knapp, came with her mother and father. She lives in Los Angeles, but she grew up in Howell. She said it’s important for their voices to be heard.
“(We) just want (people to see) there are people who are willing to stand up for what’s right, and that we don’t want to live in a society where people are against each other, rather than for each other,” she said.
Her mother, Chris Knapp, is a resident of Howell. She said a problematic history continues to be something the city can’t shake.
Livingston County residents participate in “Good Trouble Lives On,” a series of nationwide protests, on July 17 in downtown Howell.
In the 1960s, Robert Miles, once a Grand Dragon of the Michigan Ku Klux Klan, settled on a 70-acre farm in nearby Cohoctah Township. Miles died in 1992 at age 67 — but after years of rallies and demonstrations at his farm, the damage was done.
Various incidents over the years have called back to that history, particularly in 2024, when there were several white supremacist demonstrations in Howell and nearby Brighton.
Chris hopes protests like “Good Trouble” show there are many who don’t support Trump or his actions.
“We need reform now,” she said.
“I hope (those passing by) notice there are a lot of people out here that aren’t happy,” she added. “I mean, there’s a lot of people here for a Thursday afternoon.”
Livingston County residents participate in “Good Trouble Lives On,” a series of nationwide protests, on July 17 in downtown Howell.
Moonbeam Albin-Frey attended the protest with their mother and partner. All three live in Brighton. Albin-Frey said they’re always a “little nervous” coming to Howell for demonstrations, especially given recent happenings.
“If they’re allowed to be here, then we have to be here and be louder,” they said. “We have to be way bigger in numbers and way louder than they are.”
“We need to represent ourselves since our government isn’t representing us,” they added. “You have to be your own best advocate.”
Members of Stand Against Extremism LIVCO (SAGE) also attended the event. SAGE didn’t organize the protest, but volunteers said they make a point to show support.
Livingston County residents participate in “Good Trouble Lives On,” a series of nationwide protests, on July 17 in downtown Howell.
Daniel Wheeler-Pfau is a volunteer with SAGE, and said participating in protests and demonstrations is just one small part of what the organization does.
In order for change to happen, Wheeler-Pfau said, all local groups need to show their support.
“If we are to mobilize everyone and have this change, then those groups need to step up.”
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Hundreds participate in ‘Good Trouble’ protest in downtown Howell