Congressman John Lewis remains an iconic figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, revered for his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. His life, deeply intertwined with the struggle for civil rights, exemplified the philosophy of “good trouble,” a concept he embraced and championed throughout his long and impactful career. This principle, advocating for nonviolent yet disruptive action against injustice, became a cornerstone of his activism and a guiding light for generations seeking social change.
Lewis’s journey began in rural Alabama, the son of sharecroppers. His early life experiences in the segregated South ignited a fire for change within him. As Jon Meacham noted in His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and The Power of Hope, Lewis’s life was inextricably linked to the “painful quest for justice in America.” This quest brought Lewis to the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement, where he met and worked alongside other giants of the era, including the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
It was during his time as a student at American Baptist College in Nashville that Lewis’s activism truly blossomed. Inspired by the teachings of nonviolent resistance, he became deeply involved in the burgeoning movement to dismantle segregation. Like many students of his generation, Lewis participated in lunch counter sit-ins and challenged the discriminatory “separate but equal” doctrine that plagued the nation. These early acts of defiance were the seeds of “good trouble” that would define his career.
The movement gained momentum, and LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis became a crucial hub for civil rights strategizing. The city, and particularly the renowned Four-Way Grill, hosted numerous meetings involving the “Big Six” civil rights leaders. This environment immersed young activists like Sherman Howell (the original article’s author) in the heart of the struggle, providing invaluable opportunities to learn from and collaborate with luminaries like Martin Luther King Jr., James Farmer, and, of course, John Lewis. These experiences solidified Lewis’s commitment to direct action and his belief in the power of collective resistance to achieve social justice.
Lewis’s dedication to “good trouble” manifested in his courageous participation in the Freedom Rides of 1961. These rides, designed to challenge segregation on interstate buses, were met with brutal violence. As recounted in the Smithsonian Magazine by Marian Smith Holmes, Freedom Riders faced horrific attacks, including the firebombing of a bus in Alabama. Despite the extreme danger, Lewis and his fellow activists persevered, demonstrating extraordinary courage in the face of hate and violence. These acts of “good trouble” brought national attention to the injustices of segregation and forced the federal government to take action.
Even when facing personal risk, as highlighted by Sherman Howell’s solo journey through Mississippi to “test justice in America,” the spirit of resistance and the pursuit of “good trouble” remained paramount. This unwavering commitment led Lewis to participate in numerous marches and protests, most notably the Selma to Montgomery marches for voting rights.
“Bloody Sunday,” the violent confrontation at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for voting rights. Lewis, along with countless others, faced brutal attacks by state troopers while peacefully marching for the right to vote. This pivotal moment, another example of “good trouble,” galvanized the nation and ultimately led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The struggle was deeply personal for many, including those in Somerville, Tennessee, who faced displacement and terror for attempting to register to vote, further fueling the urgency and necessity of “good trouble”.
Throughout his life, John Lewis was often labeled a “troublemaker.” However, he embraced this label, understanding that “good trouble” was essential for progress. He taught that fighting for justice demands courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the cause, even when facing adversity. His life serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of “good trouble” and its enduring relevance in the ongoing pursuit of peace and justice for all. John Lewis, the “troublemaker” who walked among us, remains an inspiration, reminding us of our moral obligation to challenge injustice and create a more equitable world.
