HIS WORDS AND ACTIONS should inspire all of us to do better, be better, both as individuals and as Americans. “He” is Georgia Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, who died five years ago on July 17.
Today I honor this man who left a legacy of strength in voice, power in actions and examples of righting racial injustices. In 1965, Lewis marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, for voting rights for Blacks. He coordinated voter registration drives, led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. And in 1986, Lewis was elected a U.S. Congressman, a post he held until his death.
This son of Alabama sharecroppers and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 was remarkable in his determination, in his commitment, in his desire to right wrongs and improve the lives of Blacks.
But what Lewis brought to this country extends beyond a singular issue. He understood the value of each individual voice and used his voice to make sure others understood that what they say and do matters.
In the years since his death, I’ve researched the congressman. And in doing so, I’ve discovered statements he’s made that resonate strongly. Here are a few examples:
“…get in good trouble, necessary trouble and help redeem the soul of America.”
“You must be bold, brave, and courageous and find a way…to get in the way.”
“My greatest fear is that one day we may wake up and our democracy is gone.”
“Never let anyone—any person or force—dampen, dim or diminish your light.”
I find each of those four statements especially empowering. They are calls to action. Messages meant to end complacency. Encouragement to each of us to speak up, to be heard. To shine our lights in our neighborhoods, communities, state, nation and world.
And if we ever feel that our voice is only one, that our words aren’t heard, that our actions don’t matter, Lewis offers this message: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful. Be optimistic.” Hope and optimism. Such positive words that are easy to read, but not always easy to believe. Yet, Lewis would want us to believe that things can get better.
In honor of Lewis, “Good Trouble Lives On” rallies are planned nationwide on Thursday, July 17, including here in Minnesota. The event is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to the current attacks on civil and human rights. From small towns like Madison in far western Minnesota to the Twin Cities metro and many other communities across the state, people will gather to let their voices be heard. Rallies in southeastern Minnesota are set in New Ulm, St. Charles, Winona, Stillwater and Northfield, the nearest to me. The Northfield protest is from 6-7:30 p.m. at Ames Park in the downtown area.
For more information about “Good Trouble Lives On” and to find a rally site, click here.
“Get in good trouble” and honor U.S. Representative John Lewis, a remarkable human being whose light still shines in America, strong and radiant.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
What a stunning tribute, Audrey.
If only we could do better.
We MUST do better, Ruth. I did not attend the “Trouble Lives On” march in Northfield as we just returned from vacation and I was too tired to participate. But friends did and it was touching and impactful and I wish I had gone despite my exhaustion.
he was one of the most incredible humans who lived during my lifetime and I take great inspiration from him. when I feel low and how the odds are challenging, I think of him and he is one reason that I never give up. wonderful, wonderful post. I will be taking action in his honor on his day. and beyond.
Thank you for continuing to use your voice to make a difference.
John Lewis is, indeed, an example and inspiration that we need to follow in this time. Thanks for posting this, Audrey.
You’re welcome, Kathleen. John Lewis truly inspires, especially in these trying times, as he did in the past.
What a brave man you’re honouring Audrey, and I like the idea of ‘ good trouble, necessary trouble’. I have been on many protest marches, starting with one against the Vietnam war when I was a teen, and it is empowering to join with peaceful protests, be they for local matters or national and international events. I hope all the marches across your troubled nation pass peacefully tomorrow, and give you hope and optimism for its future. Solidarity from the UK.
Judith, it means a lot to me the way you signed your comment: “Solidarity from the UK.” These are, indeed, troubling times in the U.S. But we will NOT be silenced. We will continue to protest and to do what is right.
He left quite a legacy. Good trouble is a good thing to get into.
Congressman and Civil Rights activist John Lewis certainly did leave a legacy. I didn’t participate in the Northfield march last evening, but friends did and it was moving and powerful. I will continue to make “good trouble, necessary trouble.”
Thank you for this. We plan to attend the July 17th rally in Northfield.
So glad you participated, Valerie. Thank you for sharing your experiences with me. I wish I had gone.