Protestors rally against the Trump administration July 17 along southbound Fort Street near Oak Street in Southgate.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – Protestors lined Fort Street near Oak Street July 17 decrying the policies of the Trump administration while remembering civil rights activist John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his passing.
With the nationwide protests headlined “Good Trouble Lives On,” local activists carried signs protesting a wide range of Trump administration policies, from the defunding of PBS, cuts to Medicaid, the need to release the Epstein files, immigration crackdowns and the perceived threats to the nation’s democracy.
Local activists Lorena Baran (left) and Jessica Schering lead chants during a protest against the Trump administration July 17 along southbound Fort Street near Oak Street in Southgate.
Event organizer and local activist Jessica Schering of Trenton said she is grateful that the protestors have the courage to voice their concerns and stand in protest.
“I think, frankly, after all these months, we’re quite tired and we’re ready to take back our democracy,” she said. “John Lewis’ passing was five years ago, and we want to do this in honor of him and getting in some ‘good, necessary trouble.’”
Lewis, who served in Congress, popularized the phrase “good trouble, necessary trouble,” referring to constructive disruption and resistance to injustice, even if it led to conflict or inconvenience.
He said “good trouble” was a necessary part of fighting for positive social change.
Local activist and event organizer Lorena Baran of Wyandotte said she hopes that people driving by see that many people recognize that what is happening with the Trump administration is wrong.
“Most of us in our heart know that this is wrong,” she said. “People are coming out every single day to show how not OK with it they are.”
Baran said it is important to make people aware that protests are continuing, and the protests are peaceful.
“It makes me feel hopeful, because I know I’m not alone,” she said. “I see the community, I’m seeing similar people but I’m seeing new faces, too, and it warms my heart and makes me really happy for the future that I am going to give to my kids.”
Above and below, protestors rally against the Trump administration July 17 along southbound Fort Street near Oak Street in Southgate.
Above and below, protestors rally against the Trump administration July 17 along southbound Fort Street near Oak Street in Southgate.
Above and below, protestors rally against the Trump administration July 17 along southbound Fort Street near Oak Street in Southgate.
