Special to IFN

A group of concerned citizens is planning to gather for the “John Lewis Good Trouble” protest on Thursday, July 17, at the intersection of East Front Street and South Center Street in downtown Statesville.

The event, which is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., aims to spotlight growing public frustration with the degradation of constitutional rights, unchecked power, growing authoritarianism, and the erosion of basic freedoms and government services.

Organizers said the event will honor civil rights leader John Lewis’s legacy of using peaceful resistance to mobilize citizens around pressing civil rights issues and current social injustices.

The protest is open to the public. Organizers encourage participation from all who feel impacted by the targeting of marginalized citizens, rising cost of living, reduction of taxpayer services, and economic inequality.

Attendees are encouraged to bring signs expressing their concerns and solidarity. The protest is expected to be peaceful.

Held on the fifth annual John Lewis National Day of Action, the Statesville protest is one of more than 1,500 events planned for across the United States. “In memory of John Lewis, we will take to the streets, courthouses and community spaces to carry forward his fight for justice, voting rights and dignity for all,” national organizers said.