“Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” – John Lewis

 These words echoed across more than 280 cities on July 17, 2025, as thousands gathered for the “Good Trouble Lives On” protests, marking five years since the passing of civil rights icon John Lewis. Over 1,600 coordinated events took place nationwide, raising voices against threats to immigration rights, healthcare access, voting protections, and public support systems,  all issues deeply connected to the work nurses do every day.

What Happened

Across every state, people stepped into what Lewis called “good trouble,” engaging in peaceful, purposeful protest. From major city marches to small-town vigils, participants held signs, sang songs, shared stories, and created art. The events carried a unifying message: “March in Peace. Act in Power.”

 For many nurses, this wasn’t just a political moment. It was a reminder that caring for people doesn’t stop at the hospital door,  it extends into communities, policies, and justice.

What Protesters Were Speaking Out Against

Nurses and community health workers joined thousands of others in pushing back against policies that jeopardize both lives and livelihoods. These included:

• Increased deportations and expanded ICE operations that make undocumented patients afraid to seek medical care
• Proposed cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and Social Security, which directly harm patients who rely on nurses for preventive and long-term care
• Efforts to restrict voting access and cuts to public programs like health education, community clinics, and mental health services

Highlighted City Actions

Madison, WI
 Nurses and educators stood together at the Capitol, calling out inequities faced by children with disabilities.

Houston, TX
 Art, music, and activism converged to spotlight immigrant health rights and solidarity with underserved communities.

Washington, DC
 Protesters held a creative “umbrella protest,” symbolizing the protection of democracy and healthcare as public goods.

Lawrence, KS
 Older adults and health professionals came together, singing protest songs and raising awareness about healthcare access and funding cuts.

Portland, OR and Seattle, WA
 Rallies on bridges emphasized environmental health, reproductive rights, and resistance to surveillance, all factors that influence health outcomes.

A Living Legacy Nurses Carry

The idea of “good trouble” is familiar to nurses. It means speaking up for patients, challenging unsafe systems, and advocating when others cannot. These protests were more than commemorations. They were a continuation of Lewis’s mission to protect the vulnerable, something nurses do every shift.

Participants made it clear that this was not a one-day event, but part of a long-term commitment to equity, inclusion, and the systems that uphold health and human dignity.

Final Thoughts

The “Good Trouble Lives On” protests reminded the country that nursing is advocacy. Civic engagement and healthcare are inseparable. Every time a nurse fights for access, equity, or safety, they are answering the same call John Lewis once gave:
 “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
 On July 17, nurses across the country stood up,  and that call was heard.