‘Good Trouble Lives On’: Columbus residents join Nationwide John Lewis Day of Action

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — Honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis, dozens of Columbus residents participated in a peaceful demonstration Thursday evening as part of the national Good Trouble Lives On Day of Action.

From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., around 60 to 70 participants gathered at eight designated protest sites along Macon and Wynnton roads. Holding signs and waving at passing drivers, demonstrators stood in solidarity with communities across the country to demand protection of social support programs and voter rights.

The local protest was organized by Columbus, GA Indivisible, in coordination with other grassroots groups. Laura Irvine, a Columbus native and Columbus, GA Indivisible leadership board member, says the demonstration aimed to raise awareness about policy changes that threaten vulnerable Georgians.

“We’re here to be visible to our neighbors, because we care about the 120,000 Georgian kids that are going to lose some or all access to their food assistance.” Irvine said, “We care about the folks that are scared to go to work, the folks that can’t get their Social Security. we’re here to tell folks that we care about you, we’re out here, and we want to do something about it.”

Participants voiced concern over recent cuts to Medicaid, food assistance programs, and public education, which they say disproportionately impact working families.

One group in attendance represented United Campus Workers, a public university employee union that recently formed a chapter at Columbus State University.

“I’m here because people need to know that these cuts have disastrous effects on everyday people, their livelihoods, supporting their families.” said South Georgia organizer Jessica DeMarco-Jacobson. “I understand some people support this because they want to decrease government waste, but I’m here to say that education is not a waste, that employing people is not a waste.”

The event was held on the fifth anniversary of the late Congressman Lewis’ passing, to mark the enduring legacy of non-violent protest and civic engagement. Organizers say the message of “good trouble” is more urgent than ever as communities across Georgia brace for the impact of federal cuts and prepare for upcoming local elections.

Columbus, GA Indivisible says it plans to continue its advocacy through voter registration drives and civic education events ahead of the fall election season.