Following up on a massive turnout for the “No Kings” protests in the Phoenix metro and across the country on Flag Day, grassroots organizers are putting together another demonstration for July 17 under the banner “Good Trouble Lives On.” The inspiration for the protests is linked directly to the date, which marks exactly five years since the death of legendary civil rights leader and U.S. Rep. John Lewis.
Lewis was known for saying that getting into “good trouble” is necessary to bring change and “redeem the soul of America.” Lewis lived that message: On March 7, 1965, Lewis was among the civil rights protesters who were beaten viciously by state troopers while marching in Selma, Alabama, on what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” He suffered a skull fracture and had scars on his head for the rest of his life, five decades of which were spent serving Atlanta in Congress.
More than 1,500 events are planned across the nation in the spirit of Lewis’ ethos. That includes 24 events in Arizona, seven of which are in the Phoenix metro area. In recent months, major protests were aimed at Trump’s immigration policies and constitutional overreaches, as well as Tesla CEO Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.
Since the last protest, there has been at least one major development. Trump’s supposedly “big, beautiful” bill to fund federal spending was signed into law on July 4. The bill will radically reduce the role of the social safety net in American society, expand the role of the federal police, crack down on civil rights and spend more money on the military. It will permanently give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy, rip Medicaid health care away from almost 12 million of the poorest people in the country and end food assistance for three million people, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
“We are facing the most brazen roll back of civil rights in generations,” organizers wrote on the protest’s website. “Whether you’re outraged by attacks on voting rights, the gutting of essential services, disappearances of our neighbors, or the assault on free speech and our right to protest — this movement is for you.”
Here’s what you should know about Thursday’s protests.
Where is the Phoenix ‘Good Trouble’ protest?
The largest protest is at the Arizona Capitol near downtown Phoenix, located at 1700 W. Washington St. It’s planned for 9 to 10 a.m., though recent protests have often lasted longer than that.There are five other events being held around the Valley during the day and late at night.
- Tempe: Cole Park — 6:30-9 a.m.
- Mesa: South Dobson Road and West Southern Avenue — 8-11 a.m.
- North Scottsdale: 14500 North Northsight Boulevard — 8-9 a.m.
- Maryvale Village: North 91st Avenue & West McDowell Road — 6:30-9 a.m.
- Goodyear: Rep. Paul Gosar's Office at 1300 South Litchfield Road — 9-11 a.m.
- Anthem: West Anthem Way & North Gavilan Peak Parkway — 7:30-9 p.m.
How can I get involved in the Phoenix ‘Good Trouble’ protest?
You can RSVP to the protest by looking at the map, selecting a specific protest and signing up for updates. You can also send questions to [email protected]. The website also offers resources for anyone interested in hosting their own event.Who is organizing this protest?
This one is being organized by grassroots organizers with the 50501 movement and a large coalition of civil rights and democracy activists. Some of the organizations that will participate in a press call on Tuesday about the event are Transformative Justice Coalition, League of Women Voters, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Black Votes Matter and the Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda.
What should I know before I go?
For a mid-July day in Phoenix, Thursday’s weather is projected to be relatively tame with highs reaching between 96 and 102 degrees across the Valley. Bring plenty of water — even for events at night — as well as sunscreen and shade, like an umbrella or baseball cap for events during the day.It’s also smart to stay on public sidewalks to avoid issues with local businesses or police over trespassing laws.
For those protesting at the Capitol, protesting and other organizing activities must be conducted between 5 a.m. and 10 p.m. Here are other notable Capitol regulations:
- Protesters must also keep 10 feet away from all buildings and minimize damage to state property.
- To amplify sound, an event application must be submitted 10 days prior, otherwise “volume must be reduced to a reasonable level.” An event application is not required if no sound will be amplified.
- Equipment, including banners and signs, may not be staked into the ground or otherwise affixed to landscapes, sidewalks or buildings.
