PORT HURON TWP. — About 60 to 75 people gathered Thursday, July 17, along 24th Street in to join Blue Water Indivisible’s Good Trouble Lives On rally, marking the fifth anniversary of civil rights leader John Lewis’ death.
The group stood in front of the Big Lots parking lot holding signs, chanting and encouraging drivers to honk in support. The event, part of a nationwide series of gatherings, was meant to honor Lewis’ legacy and push back against what organizers called ongoing attacks on civil and human rights.
“It was a great turnout for a Thursday night,” said Jenna Reed, a volunteer with Blue Water Indivisible. “Courage is contagious.”
Reed said the group formed to empower residents to stand up for justice, regardless of political affiliation.
“We are a nonpartisan group,” she said. “The fight that we have is against policies that harm people…We want people to feel welcome, like this is a space for their voice.”
Several participants cited recent immigration policies and the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act as reasons for participating. The proposed federal legislation would require proof of citizenship to register to vote.
Kristyn Secory, an advocate at the rally, said she’s troubled by what she sees happening across the country.
“I’m concerned about democracy because ever since this new administration has come in they seem to be dismantling it,” she said. “When you see something like Alligator Alcatraz, how can you not be here today protesting?”
The term “Alligator Alcatraz” refers to a migrant detention facility located deep in the Florida Everglades, known for its remote and restrictive conditions.
For Joe Crowley, the rally was about standing against what he described as cruel immigration enforcement.
“They’re sending our own military into the streets to attack our own people,” he said. “I know what happens when they send the military into the streets for your own people — people start dying.”
Ande McCarthy said the message of the night was to take action in the face of injustice.
“John Lewis said make a way out of no way,” she said, pointing to a nearby sign that warned reclaiming lost democracy is never easy.
Blue Water Indivisible has held several demonstrations in recent months, including events at Pine Grove Park and beneath the Blue Water Bridge.
Thursday’s rally was one of more than 1,500 Good Trouble Lives On events held across the country, including several across Michigan. The rally was timed to coincide with the anniversary of Lewis’ death on July 17, 2020.
“We are committed to peaceful nonviolent protest,” Reed said. “It honors his legacy that we come together and try and make a little good trouble.”
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Blue Water Indivisible leads Good Trouble Lives On rally in St. Clair County
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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