On Thursday evening, 50501 Virginia will lead a large-scale civil rights protest along Monument Avenue in Richmond, aligning with similar actions across the state and nation. Titled “Good Trouble Lives On,” the event honors the anniversary of the passing of civil rights leader John Lewis and his call to get into “good trouble” for the sake of American democracy.
Organizers and supporters will line a three-mile stretch of the avenue from Lombardy Street to Willow Lawn Drivefrom 5:00 to 7:00 PM, creating a continuous visual demonstration of solidarity and protest.
The action is part of the national 50501 movement, which began earlier this year in opposition to the Trump administration’s record on healthcare, immigration enforcement, and constitutional protections. Virginia’s chapter 50501 Virginia has coordinated Thursday’s event in partnership with RVA Indivisible and several other civic and advocacy groups.
Schedule of Events – Thursday, July 17
- 5:00–6:00 PM – Protesters are encouraged to “find their block” along Monument Avenue and tune in to WRIR 97.3 FM, which will air a special edition of Mid Atlantic Jams.
- 6:00–7:00 PM – Speakers will address the crowd from 4819 Monument Avenue, with a live broadcast on WRWK 93.9 FM “The Work”. Attendees are encouraged to bring Bluetooth speakers to amplify the livestream along the route. A custom map including aid stations, restrooms, and parking is available here: Good Trouble Lives On Google Map
Speaker Lineup – 6:00–7:00 PM (WRWK 93.9 FM)
- Nicole Subryan-Bailey, Emcee
A message of hope and continued commitment to American ideals of equality, democracy, and freedom. - Christopher Maxwell, Founder, WRWK 93.9 FM
Remarks on the urgency of civic action and the range of tools available beyond protesting. - Amanda Pohl, Chesterfield Clerk of Court
Discussion on ICE operations inside courthouses and the importance of holding elected officials accountable. - Sheba Williams, Executive Director, Nolef Turns, Inc.
Remarks on the economic incentives behind mass incarceration and criminal justice reform. - Aaron Woloshin, Co-Chair, Richmond Democratic Socialists of America
Explanation of democratic socialism and its role in serving the public. - Mary Bauer, Executive Director, ACLU of Virginia
Insight into immigrant rights under both U.S. constitutional and international law. - Minister William F. McGee, President, Richmond Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Discussion on the ongoing role of religious communities in civil rights advocacy.
At 7:00 PM, the protest concludes with a call to continue the fight for democracy beyond the streets.
Additional “Good Trouble Lives On” Protests in Virginia
50501-affiliated demonstrations will also take place on July 17 in:
- Suffolk – 150 N Main St.
- Williamsburg – 5201 Monticello Ave.
- Fredericksburg – William St. & Blue and Gray Pkwy.
- Roanoke – 1940 Franklin Rd SW
- Charlottesville – 1001 Preston Ave.
- Harrisonburg – 70 N. Mason St.
- Winchester – 20 N. Loudoun St.
- Manassas – 100 Park Central Plaza
- Christiansburg – North Franklin & Main
- Virginia Beach – 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.
Organizers encourage participants to share widely and attend in groups. Media are invited to cover the event, with interviews and press materials to be made available following the protest.
For more information, follow @50501movement and participating partner organizations.
Main photo: Pictured above (from left): Ralph Abernathy, James Forman, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Douglas, and John Lewis. In 1965, King led the five-day, 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery in a historic push for voting rights. At just 25, Lewis was already a key figure in the movement. Photo by Steve Schapiro.
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