News Summary
Hundreds gathered in downtown Nashville to honor civil rights icon John Lewis with a march commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” initiative, the event included speeches from community leaders and highlighted ongoing social justice issues, emphasizing the importance of activism and community engagement. Following the march, a program honored Lewis’s legacy, reminding attendees of the continuous fight for civil rights.
Nashville, TN – Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in downtown Nashville on July 19 for the fourth annual Rep. John Lewis Way march, honoring the legacy of the civil rights icon who passed away five years ago. The event attracted around 300 participants, as estimated by a spokesperson for the Metro Nashville Police Department. This year’s march commemorated the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits racial discrimination in voting.
The march began at the Tennessee State Library and Archives and concluded at the historic Ryman Auditorium. It was part of a broader initiative titled “Good Trouble Lives On,” which reflects John Lewis’s call for engaging in what he termed “good” and “necessary trouble.” Tens of thousands of protesters from various cities across the United States participated in related events throughout the week, highlighting the ongoing conversation about civil rights and social justice.
The march featured several speakers, including Bishop Aaron Marble, the pastor of Jefferson Street Baptist Church. He delivered remarks that drew on Biblical analogies, likening the marchers to the Israelites who marched around Jericho. Rep. Justin Jones, a Democratic representative from Nashville, addressed the crowd, emphasizing community importance while criticizing officials associated with the Trump administration.
Among the attendees were notable civil rights activists, including Dr. Blondell Strong Kimbrough, widow of civil rights leader Charles Kimbrough, and some who were Freedom Riders during the civil rights movement. Participants also included individuals and organizations advocating for various social issues, such as the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition and local LGBTQ rights groups opposing policies from the Trump administration.
The gathering started with a pre-march breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by opening remarks at 8:30 a.m. The actual march kicked off at 9 a.m. Attendees were encouraged to engage in dialogue about civil rights and the current political climate. Organizer Luis Mata read a heartfelt letter from a community member detailing the emotional toll recent ICE operations have had on families in Nashville. Other participants voiced concerns regarding the treatment of immigrants, with individuals like Kathy York comparing current political events to pre-World War II Germany.
Following the march, a program was held at the National Museum of African American Music to further honor John Lewis’s contributions and legacy in the civil rights movement. Nashville has made efforts to acknowledge its role in this historical context, including renaming part of Fifth Avenue in honor of John Lewis.
The legacy of John Lewis is deeply intertwined with Nashville’s civil rights history, as he was an active participant in the historic Nashville sit-ins of the 1960s while he was a student. Lewis’s dedication and efforts toward achieving racial equality have inspired generations of activists, and events like the annual march serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for civil rights and the importance of community engagement.
As the commemoration concluded, participants left with a sense of purpose and commitment to continue the fight against injustice, embodying the message that the spirit of John Lewis lives on through their actions and activism. The event not only served to celebrate a leader but also to reiterate the call for justice and equality for all members of society.
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Additional Resources
- The Tennessean: Nashville Honors John Lewis
- NewsChannel 5: Nashville March for John Lewis
- Axios: John Lewis March in Nashville
- The Tennessean: Good Trouble Parade
- Tennessee Tribune: John Lewis Way March
- Wikipedia: John Lewis (civil rights leader)
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Lewis
- Google Search: John Lewis legacy
- Google News: John Lewis Nashville March
Author: HERE Nashville
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