News Summary
A protest honoring civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis took place at Augusta Common, part of the nationwide initiative ‘Good Trouble Lives On.’ The event, attended by over 30 participants, aimed to advocate for social justice and highlight issues such as voter suppression and healthcare cuts. Organizers are planning further protests, emphasizing the need for collective action inspired by the civil rights movement. With significant upcoming rallies against proposed Medicaid cuts, the local community continues to rally for meaningful change.
Augusta – A protest honoring civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis took place on Thursday at Augusta Common downtown as part of a nationwide initiative dubbed “Good Trouble Lives On.” This event marked the five-year anniversary of Lewis’s passing and was attended by more than 30 people, advocating for social justice and peaceful, non-violent action in the face of injustice.
The Augusta protest is one of many scheduled across the country, with approximately 1,600 events organized nationwide. Organizers emphasize the need for collective action inspired by the legacies of past civil rights leaders to address pressing issues such as voter suppression and immigration enforcement actions.
On the eve of the protest, Georgia lawmakers participated in a prayer session on the steps of the State Capitol to honor victims of flooding in Texas, highlighting ongoing conversations about community and support in times of crisis.
The “Good Trouble Lives On” initiative is inherently tied to the mission of addressing systemic injustices, encouraging communities to take a stand for meaningful change. In addition to the Augusta protest, there is another planned gathering in Aiken later on Thursday, starting at 6 p.m. from Friendship Baptist Church, located at 515 Richland Avenue E. This march will culminate at the Center for African American History, Arts & Culture. Following the march, an additional rally is set to begin at 8 p.m. at Founders Park, located at 120 York Street NE.
Looking ahead, two significant protests are scheduled for July 17, the anniversary of John Lewis’s death, organized by Democratic committees in Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro. These protests will aim to focus on high-stakes issues, specifically targeting the repercussions of proposed legislation known as the “Big Ugly Bill,” which is projected to slash nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and healthcare services. Protest organizers express concern that such cuts would have dire financial implications, particularly for rural hospitals.
As part of the advocacy on July 17, a rally is planned outside Augusta Health in Fishersville at 8:30 a.m. to contest the anticipated Medicaid cuts. The hospital has reported a shortfall of $6.7 million in Medicaid reimbursements and has provided $9.1 million in financial assistance to patients, presenting challenges to delivering essential healthcare services. Organizers are encouraging participants to bring signs highlighting issues related to healthcare and Medicaid cuts, thereby amplifying their message.
Additionally, a silent march will take place on the Main Street bridge in Waynesboro at 6 p.m. to commemorate the historical Selma marches of 1965 advocating for voting rights, further intertwining the present struggles with significant moments from the civil rights movement.
With local Democratic committees focused on short and impactful pop-up protests, the movement aims to raise awareness about congressional actions perceived as detrimental to the community. Recent reports indicate that Augusta Health sees a higher-than-average percentage of its patients—28%—covered by Medicaid compared to the national average of 16.7%, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures against proposed cuts that could destabilize healthcare in rural communities.
The nationwide wave of protests, drawing support and participation from various community members, underscores a significant moment in the ongoing fight for social justice in America. The collective action serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of Congressman John Lewis, whose legacy inspires continued advocacy for equality and justice.
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Additional Resources
- WRDW: Good Trouble Lives On Protest in Augusta
- News Leader: Protests Planned in Augusta County
- Augusta Free Press: Local Democrats Honor John Lewis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: John Lewis
- News Leader: Residents Speak Out Against Event Cancellation
- Google Search: Social Justice Protests
