‘Good Trouble’ Rally In Bloomfield Will Protest Trump, Honor Civil Rights Icon

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Another wave of protests against President Donald Trump will be happening across the nation on Thursday, including in Bloomfield.

According to the Good Trouble Lives On website, the national day of action on July 17 is being held to “respond to the attacks on our civil and human rights by the Trump administration.” Activists are citing “attacks on voting rights,” the “gutting of essential services,” “disappearances of our neighbors” and an “assault on free speech and our right to protest.”

In Bloomfield, a rally is scheduled for 5 to 8:30 p.m. at 1 Municipal Plaza (learn more here).

The July 17 rallies are being organized separately by local advocacy groups, and supported by dozens of national groups. See a map of locations here, and see a list of national partners here.

“A core principle behind all Good Trouble Lives On events is a commitment to nonviolent action,” organizers emphasize. “We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.”

The rallies taking place this week are a continuation of the “No Kings Day” and “Hands Off” protests that have drawn millions of demonstrators.

• See Related: Essex County Residents Protest Trump At 'No Kings' Rallies
• See Related: Anti-Trump Protesters Hit The Streets In Essex County (PHOTOS)
• See Related: Protesters Bash Trump In 3 Essex County Towns Over Easter Holiday
• See Related: ‘May Day’ Protests In Essex County Attract NJ Governor Candidates

The region has also seen demonstrations in support of Trump, including a rally in Essex County organized by local GOP voters prior to the president’s Election Day victory.

• See Related: Republican Wanted NJ Town To Raise Flags For Trump Inauguration
• See Related: Jan. 6 Attendee Wants Street In His Hometown Renamed For Donald Trump

Anti-Trump protests in Essex County have also seen criticism from supporters of the president.

“These people are nuts,” a reader recently told Patch. “The protestors have way too much time on their hands.”

“We the people elected a strong America First leader and that's exactly what we got,” a North Caldwell resident said after the recent No Kings protests.

“President Trump is doing exactly what he promised during his campaign,” he added. “We all know that President Trump's second term will come to an end in 2028, so why the 'King' label?”

JOHN LEWIS AND ‘GOOD TROUBLE’

Thursday’s rallies are taking place on the fifth anniversary of the death of former U.S. congressman John Lewis.

The civil rights titan coined the phrase “good trouble” to describe the peaceful, non-violent demonstrations that upended discriminatory Jim Crow policies of America’s Deep South and led to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Lewis, who died in 2020, was one of the most vocal critics of President Trump during his first administration.

“Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, ‘Good Trouble’ is the action of coming together to take peaceful, non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change,” goodtroubleliveson.org states.

“The civil rights leaders of the past have shown us the power of collective action,” advocates said. “That’s why on July 17, five years since the passing of Congressman John Lewis, communities across the country will take to the streets, courthouses, and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights, and dignity for all.”

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.