On March 7, 2024, people gathered in La Jolla, California, to commemorate the late civil rights leader and United States Representative John Lewis on the five-year anniversary of his passing. The rally, which began at 17:15 and lasted over 45 minutes, served not only as a tribute to Lewis but also as a platform to protest the policies of the Trump administration.
Organized by local activists, the event attracted a diverse group of participants who voiced their concerns regarding current political issues. Susan Liberman, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the need for unity beyond political affiliations. “We have to stand here, not for Democrats or Republicans, red or blue, but for every person who’s being hurt,” she stated.
While many attendees honored Lewis, others expressed their discontent with the current administration. Z Kripke, an 87-year-old activist and former pediatrician, highlighted her ongoing commitment to activism. “I’m accumulating rallies. It has nothing to do with John Lewis,” she remarked, noting the importance of the La Jolla gathering as a demonstration of community voices, especially in a place with differing opinions.
Participants included not only local residents but also those from out of state, such as Brent Ferguson, who was visiting family from the East Coast. He joined the rally while holding a copy of On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. “This is celebrating the life and the legacy of John Lewis. I think each month, there are protests organized to stand up for important moments,” Ferguson explained.
John Lewis served in the House of Representatives for 33 years, from 1987 until his death at the age of 80 in 2020. Prior to his congressional career, he was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, a key organization in the civil rights movement that helped orchestrate peaceful protests such as sit-ins. Lewis was recognized as one of the “Big Six” leaders of the civil rights movement alongside notable figures like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. His philosophy of “good trouble,” which advocates for peaceful protest to draw attention to social injustices, inspired many at the rally.
Among the attendees, Nancy Vincent and Cary Shillington carried a sign featuring one of Lewis’s well-known quotes: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” This sentiment resonated throughout the gathering, with many participants holding signs bearing Lewis’s image and words, reflecting their commitment to his legacy.
Support from passersby was evident as cars honked in solidarity, and chants broke out sporadically. “Show me what democracy looks like!” a rally participant shouted, to which the crowd responded, “This is what democracy looks like!”
The La Jolla rally was part of a broader series of events taking place across San Diego on the same day, with similar gatherings occurring nationwide to honor Lewis and advocate for social justice. As the rally concluded, it became clear that the spirit of John Lewis continues to inspire activism and community engagement in the face of ongoing political challenges.
