On March 30, 2025, hundreds gathered in La Jolla, California, to commemorate the legacy of civil rights leader and former United States Representative John Lewis. The event marked the five-year anniversary of his passing and served as a platform for attendees to voice their opposition to the policies of the Trump administration.
The rally commenced at 17:15 and lasted over 45 minutes, attracting a diverse crowd united by a shared goal. Susan Liberman, one of the event’s organizers, emphasized the importance of standing together beyond party lines. “We have to stand here, not for Democrats or Republicans, red or blue, but for every person who’s being hurt,” she stated. While the rally paid tribute to Lewis, many participants used the occasion to express their dissatisfaction with current government policies.
Among the attendees was Z Kripke, an 87-year-old former pediatrician and long-time activist. “I’m accumulating rallies. It has nothing to do with John Lewis,” she explained, highlighting her commitment to activism that spans decades. Kripke noted the significance of the La Jolla event, particularly in a community with a range of political views.
The rally attracted participants not only from local areas but also from out of state. Brent Ferguson, visiting family from the East Coast, joined the event while holding a copy of On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. “This is celebrating the life and the legacy of John Lewis on the anniversary of his death five years ago,” Ferguson remarked. He pointed out that protests are regularly organized to address pressing societal concerns.
John Lewis served in the House of Representatives for 33 years, from 1987 until his death at the age of 80 in 2020. Prior to his congressional career, he was the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, which played a pivotal role in nonviolent protests during the civil rights movement. Lewis was often referred to as one of the “Big Six” leaders alongside notable figures such as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He coined the phrase “good trouble” to encourage peaceful protests as a means of drawing attention to social injustices.
Many at the La Jolla rally carried signs featuring Lewis’s famous words, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Nancy Vincent and Cary Shillington were among those who aimed to embody the spirit of Lewis’s activism. The crowd echoed with chants that highlighted their commitment to democracy. “Show me what democracy looks like!” one participant called out, prompting a unified response: “This is what democracy looks like!”
The La Jolla rally was part of a broader series of events taking place throughout San Diego, with similar gatherings occurring across the nation to honor Lewis’s memory. Participants expressed their determination to continue advocating for change, reflecting a collective desire to honor the legacy of a leader who dedicated his life to civil rights and social justice.