LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — A night of “good trouble” was going on in Lima on Thursday, as the Democrats came together to honor the late Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis. The Allen County Democrats hosted a march and rally at Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Lima, invoking one of Lewis’ most famous phrases in their call to action: “good trouble.”
The Lima gathering was part of a coordinated, nationwide effort to hold non-violent demonstrations. Organizers said the event aimed to protest what they describe as ongoing attacks on civil, voting and human rights by current leaders in Washington, D.C. Speakers encouraged the crowd to follow Lewis' legacy and stand up for what they believe in.
“Of the things he said that I really appreciate and want you all to take this with you, if not me, who. If not now, when. So, we're here, and we're going to make this fight a long one,” said Rochelle Twining, chairwoman of the Allen County Democratic Party.
“He never wanted to see violence, people against violence. That's when he said everything is ‘Good Trouble.’ And they thought they always call him a troublemaker, because he always talk the truth. He would talk the truth about people that need help,” said Councilman Derry Glenn, Lima’s 6th Ward.
“By getting in good trouble, necessary trouble, trouble that would not be in and that will not be made into an ark. But we may speak out, speak up, protest, vote,” said Jamie Dixon, Lima City Council president.
Dixon also read a proclamation from Mayor Sharetta Smith, officially naming Thursday as John Lewis “Good Trouble Day” in the city of Lima.
