ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Across
the country, tens of thousands of people turn out for a day of action,
protesting the current administration and honoring late Congressman John
Lewis.
Organizers say the ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ protest is a nationwide day
of peaceful, nonviolent action rooted in the legacy of the Civil Rights
movement.
Lewis was known for leading movements during the Civil Rights movement
and using the phrase ‘good trouble’ when speaking on non-violent
protests.
Wednesday evening, hundreds gathered downtown Rockford for the event.
The protest began at the City Market Pavilion and participants marched
across the State Street Bridge. The march was then followed by speakers
and calls to action. A speaker at Thursday’s event says he actually
marched with John Lewis and Martin Luther King during the Civil Rights
movement.
When the walk began, chants could be heard as the hundreds marched
across the bridge.
“Basically standing up, using your voice, standing up for those causes
that you believe in and taking action,” said Jennifer Blaisdell,
president of the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford.
And Rockford residents are taking action and not staying silent.
“The activity going on in federal government, it’s off course. We’re way
off course, we need to get back to the bipartisanship,” explained Chuck
Nakata, a protest participant.
“I have been very blessed in my progress here in this country and I want
that for everybody else. I’m not going to be sitting on the sidelines
just waiting – No, I want to be a part of the solution,” said Cristina
Gloria another protester.
Organizers of the nationwide protest say civil rights are being
reversed. Participants say they are outraged by attacks on certain
causes like voting rights and free speech.
“I’m also fighting for women’s rights, human rights, and John Lewis was
a wonderful, wonderful human being,” said Christine Haeggquist, the
co-president of the American Association of University Women.
On the other side of the aisle, State Representative John Cabello says
he has no idea what the protestors are talking about. He states freedom
is not being taken from anyone, except criminals.
“Can’t do the time, don’t do the crime,” said Cabello.
He says many of the demonstrators nationwide are being paid. He also
reminds anyone protesting to keep it peaceful.
“Enjoy the freedom that the men and women who paid the ultimate
sacrifice gave you,” said Cabello.
The Rockford protest was one of many across the country and the
stateline. Another ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ protest took place in
Freeport.
