Palo Alto community members answer Lewis call to get in good trouble for civil rights

Community members in Palo Alto rallied at King Plaza to honor civil rights leader John Lewis and protest policies from the Trump administration perceived as harmful to civil and human rights. This event was part of the "Good Trouble Lives On" initiative, encompassing over 1,600 rallies nationwide, calling for non-violent action against civil rights violations. Attendees interacted with local organizations and filled out postcards advocating for justice. James Staten from the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stressed the necessity of defending basic human rights for all individuals, regardless of their immigration status. Speakers, including retired judge LaDoris Cordell, urged the crowd to seek truth and remain engaged with legal knowledge.

Erin Hebard, a local teacher, shared how immigration policies affected her students, illustrating the event's significance. The rally's slogan, “good trouble,” reflects Lewis' legacy of activism and the ongoing fight for civil rights. Participants like Paige McKerral dressed as suffragettes, emphasizing the historical context of their advocacy for voting rights.