Despite early sweltering heat and a later steady drizzle, more than 100 people showed up outside the National Civil Rights Museum on July 17 to celebrate the legacy of a civil rights icon and oppose President Donald Trump’s administration.
The “Good Trouble Lives On” rally drew community members and elected officials, including Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
The legacy of Rep. John Lewis, the longtime U.S. Congressman and civil rights icon, was a focal point of the event. Speakers led chants of “Good Trouble Lives On,” played an audio recording of one of his speeches, and referenced his impact as a civil rights activist during speeches.
Democratic state Rep. Gabby Salinas spoke about Lewis’ example and the challenges facing the country.“We have a big fight ahead of us,” Salinas said, “but who better to have as a model than John Lewis?”
Lucille Bradley holds a sign with a quote from civil rights leader John Lewis as she listens to a speaker during the “Good Trouble Lives On” event outside the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on July 17, 2025. The event is part of a nationwide day of remembrance for Lewis and a rally against many of the Trump administration’s policies. “I’m just trying to go to every protest I possibly can,” Bradley said.
Memphis activist Jose Salazar invited the crowd to take initiative.“I came to this country with dreams that felt impossible,” he said. “Through struggle and sacrifice, I’ve learned power doesn’t come from a podium, it comes from the people.”
The event continued through the rain as attendees lit candles under a covered sidewalk and organizers played an audio reading of Lewis’ posthumous essay, “Together, You Can Redeem The Soul of Our Nation.”
Attendee Adrian Hernandez wore a Celtic cross to the rally and said a lot of members of the Episcopal church were present at the event.
“Most of my friends are Hispanic, my husband is from Mexico,” Hernandez said. “We need help in the gay community and the Hispanic community…I’m grateful for the fact that we can resist.”
Event organizers also announced the launch of The Collective Good Immigrant Pantry, a mutual aid organization intended to provide food, hygiene items and support to families facing “increasing legal intimidation and insecurity.” The organization will begin making its first deliveries the week of July 21.
What was the ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ event?
The event was part of the national “Good Trouble Lives On” movement, a day of action intended to challenge what the organization calls “the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations.”
The event marked five years since the passing of Lewis, who was famous for his role in challenging segregation in the South. The event is named after Lewis’ encouragement for citizens to make “good trouble” through civic engagement.
The event took place just over a month after “No Kings” protests drew nearly 4,000 in Memphis and millions nationwide.
Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at jack.armstrong@commercialappeal.com and followed on X @jca2902.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: ‘Good Trouble’ rally draws protesters to National Civil Rights Museum