Northwest Missouri community to honor civil rights leader with ‘Good Trouble Lives On’ rallies

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Missourians will join a nationwide movement on Thursday, July 17, to honor the legacy of the late Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis.

Under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On,” peaceful rallies will take place in both Maryville, Missouri, and St. Joseph as part of more than 1,500 events happening across the country.

The coordinated effort includes marches, rallies, teach-ins, and voter registration drives aimed at promoting democracy and social justice.

The nationwide day of action echoes the message of John Lewis, who famously urged citizens to get into “good trouble” in the fight for civil rights.

In Maryville, participants will gather between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the public sidewalk at the intersection of Wal-Mart Drive and South Main Street.

In St. Joseph, two separate events are planned throughout the evening:

• The St. Joseph Persisterhood will host a rally from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the busy intersection of Belt Highway and Frederick Avenue.
  
• EM-PAC (Empowering People – Ensuring Participation) and the St. Joseph NAACP will hold an action rally from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the St. Francis Baptist Church parking lot, located at 1610 Angelique Street.
  

According to organizers, the rallies are intended to be peaceful, powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

“These times are not normal,” said Dr. Jane Frick, co-facilitator of the St. Joseph Persisterhood and a long-time member of St. Joseph Christian Church. “Our faith calls us to stand up peacefully—while we still can—against what’s happening in our country. John Lewis was right when he said we must make ‘Good Trouble’ to redeem the soul of our nation.”

More information on the “Good Trouble Lives On” campaign can be found at goodtroubleliveson.org, and details on the St. Joseph events are available at facebook.com/PersisterhoodSJ.

For questions or further details, contact Dr. Jane Frick at mjanefrick@gmail.com or 816-294-4410.