Fredericksburg residents sought to “make good trouble” at a protest held on Thursday evening.
An estimated 200 people gathered at the corner of William Street and Blue and Gray Parkway to protest against the federal government under the leadership of President Donald Trump. The event in Fredericksburg was part of a coordinated series of protests across the nation.
The protest was also a tribute to the late John Lewis, a former Congressman representing Georgia and a major figure in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. The theme of the protest, “Make Good Trouble,” is a quote attributed to Lewis, who was known for his involvement in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and his participation in events such as the Freedom Rides and the Selma to Montgomery marches in Alabama. Lewis died in July 2020.
Tina Jones holds her sign at the Make Good Trouble protest on July 17.
Ken Lecky, chairman of the Fredericksburg Democratic Committee, said the protest was organized by a coalition. The Fredericksburg committee was joined by democratic committees from Stafford, Caroline and Spotsylvania counties as well as Indivisible FXBG, a local progressive-minded group focused on legal and peaceful acts of resistance. Many of these groups also participated and coordinated the “No Kings” rally that happened in June, drawing over 1,500 protestors.
Lecky said organizers expected a low turnout at this event because it was during the week and the weather did not cooperate.
Many of those who participated in the protest discussed the local and national issues that inspired them to act. These same protestors also briefly discussed Lewis’ mantra of “Make Good Trouble” and what it means to them.
One such participant was Forrest Miller, a U.S. Army Veteran currently running for the District 63 seat in the House of Delegates as a Democrat. The district covers the majority of Spotsylvania County and a third of Orange County. Miller is running because he sees the actions of the Trump administration as antithetical to the needs of the people. He lamented immigration raids made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Leadership begins with taking care of people and that’s not what’s happening. Our government is not taking care of Americans right now,” Miller said. “They’re doing whatever they want to do instead of what the people need.”
Another protester, Tina Jones, 65, said she wants to help save Democracy and preserve Medicare for herself and her grandchildren. Jones described in her own words what the quote “Make Good Trouble” means.
Lew Doggett protesting at the Make Good Trouble event on July 17.
“It means we need to make our voices heard, we don’t need to act violently like January 6,” Jones said. “Our voices can be heard. It’s just a long process and I think everybody needs to do a little bit. If everyone does something, I think it’s going to make a difference.”
Nancy Collins said she attended the rally because she felt it was important for citizens to stand up when they see injustices happening. Collins was particularly inspired to protest after the recent passage of Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which she said cuts funding for scientific research and education. Collins was also concerned about the ongoing ICE raids and the lack of due process given to those caught in those raids.
Collins said making good trouble means doing what isn’t popular or convenient.
“If people aren’t going to like what you have to say, if it’s the right thing to say, if it’s the right thing to do, it’s still important to do it,” she said.
Michael Steele, a military veteran and graduate of the West Point Academy, said that he was protesting against Trump’s “cult of personality” and his actions in office. Steele referred to the code of honor that was instilled in him at West Point as his moral compass: “A cadet does not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do.”
Steele also described his meaning of “Make Good Trouble.”
“It means standing out here in this heat and getting people’s attention,” he said. “The more people’s attention we can get, the more results we will probably get.”
