Last month, anti-Trump “No Kings” protests were scheduled across the U.S. on Flag Day. Now, a similar national day of action is being planned for July 17, with hundreds of events scheduled nationwide for the fifth anniversary of Congressman John Lewis’ death.
Named for a famous quote from Lewis’ “Good Trouble Lives On,” the protests are a response to what the organizers say are “attacks” on civil and human rights by the Trump administration.
“We are facing the most brazen rollback of civil rights in generations,” a graphic on the Good Trouble Lives On website says. “Whether you’re outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest — this movement is for you.”
Here’s what to know about the “Good Trouble” protests this week, who’s organizing them and where the Florida protests will be.
When and where will the Okaloosa County protest be held?
According to organizers, the protest will be 6 to 8 p.m. July 17 at at the Niceville Community Center, 204-C Partin Drive North in Niceville.
Register at https://www.mobilize.us/john-lewis-actions/event/811112/
What is the ‘Good Trouble’ protest on July 17? When are the protests?
The “Good Trouble” protests will be the fourth nationwide anti-Trump protest of 2025. The organizers are a part of the same coalition of organizations that were behind the No Kings protests in June.
The “Good Trouble Lives On” title comes from a famous John Lewis quote that he tweeted in 2018: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.”
“The civil rights leaders of the past have shown us the power of collective action. That’s why on July 17, five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all,” the website says.
The “Good Trouble” protests are scheduled to take place this week, on July 17. This is the same day that U.S. Rep. John Lewis died five years ago in 2020. He was a major leader in the 1960s civil rights movement, an original Freedom Rider and an organizer of the March on Washington in 1963.
The website says that it expects all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with its values and to act lawfully at these events. They advise that weapons should not be brought to any of the “Good Trouble” protests.
According to the website, at least 49 protests (including multiple in four cities) are planned across Florida.
For a full list of Florida protests, check the list at https://www.nwfdailynews.com/story/news/2025/07/16/what-good-trouble-protests-anti-trump-john-lewis-quote-florida-events-city-list/85204453007/
What is considered an illegal protest?
The right to protest peacefully and publicly protest is protected throughout the U.S. by the First Amendment.
Protesting becomes illegal when protesters block car or pedestrian traffic, or access to government buildings. It’s also important to remember Gov. DeSantis’s 2021 “riot law,” which blurs the lines of what is and isn’t illegal when protesting in Florida.
“During the 2021 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed and Governor DeSantis signed HB 1, an anti-protest law that enhances criminal penalties during certain gatherings and creates new criminal penalties for ‘mob intimidation’ and damaging or pulling down historic objects, such as monuments,” the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida says.
“You still have a constitutionally protected right to protest, peacefully assemble, and petition the government with your grievances.”
Safety tips for ‘Good Trouble’ protesters
Human Rights Campaign has tips for those participating in a peaceful protest to help ensure their safety and well-being:
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: ‘Good Trouble’ protests against Trump: Where is the Okaloosa County rally on July 17?
Reporting by Lianna Norman and Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Northwest Florida Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
