‘Good Trouble’ events coming to Geneva and St. Charles

A series of events next week in Geneva and St. Charles will honor the legacy of the late Congressman John Lewis.

“Good Trouble Lives On” is part of a national weekend of action presented locally by We Can Lead Change — Fox Valley.

One of the famous statements of Lewis, a civil rights leader and Georgia representative in the U.S. House from 1987 to 2020, was to “get into good trouble.” Lewis died on July 17, 2020, after decades of public service and activism.

“John Lewis taught us that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to get involved,” said Miki Powell, a spokesperson for We Can Lead Change.

Powell said the ”Good Trouble Lives On” weekend offers opportunities for people to “learn, connect with neighbors, and reaffirm everyone is essential to upholding a flourishing democracy.”

Other “Good Trouble Lives On” events planned for July 18 and July 19 are being organized by local organizations in Bartlett, Naperville and Oak Brook.

“Each group individually could choose to do what they wanted,” Powell said. “We decided to do the four events all circling around John Lewis’ cause.”

Having events over four days is also an effort to increase community involvement.

“We want people in the community to know they have a place that they could come and voice their concerns and stand up for people in the community, take action if they choose, wherever it fits well for them,” Powell said.

At 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 16, The American Civil Liberties Union will lead a town hall-style meeting in Geneva, with a focus on voting rights and election protection.

The forum is offered for nonpartisan educational purposes and will provide information about protecting the right to vote and strengthening democratic participation, according to We Can Lead Change.

From 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, July 17, an informal gathering of community members will be held at Riverlands Brewing Company, 1860 Dean St., St. Charles.

We Can Lead Change is leading a peaceful demonstration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 18. A “Good Trouble Lives On Rally” will be held at Randall Road and Christina Lane in Geneva.

The final event, 1 to 2:30 p.m. July 19 in Geneva, is “Celebrating John Lewis,” highlighting the civil rights leader’s example and service.

Attendees must register at wecanleadchange.org/events for the events on July 16 and July 19. The locations of those events will be made available upon registration due to space limitations, Powell said.

“This is important to know, that we’re here to educate the community and support people within our community, with trying to keep them safe,” she said.

“It’s just what we do, that’s how we are,” Powell said. “Building community and allowing people to have a place to share their concerns and raise their voices.”