By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
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A celebration to honor the life and legacy of the civil rights icon John Lewis is set to take place in Northfield on this upcoming Thursday. The event, taking place at Ames Park in Downtown Northfield from 6pm to 7pm, is part of a broader national movement organized by the 50501 campaign, which aims to mobilize communities across all 50 states in defense of democratic values.
Holly Kelchner is one of the event organizers:
“This event is more of a celebration of life for Congressman John Lewis. We’re asking people to, instead of bringing signs, dress your Sunday best. We are hosting a gathering of people to really remember his legacy and honor the movement that he was a huge part of in the civil rights movement.” – Holly Kelchner, Event Organizer, KYMN News Interview
The evening will open with “Voices of Legacy & Liberation,” a 30-minute program featuring a land acknowledgment, readings from John Lewis’s book, “Across That Bridge”, and a keynote speech titled “Get in Good Trouble” — adapted from Lewis’s famous 2020 House floor speech. The program will include a moving history spotlight on the Selma-to-Montgomery March, covering Bloody Sunday, the role of young people in the movement, and the passage of the Voting Rights Act.
Following the opening program, participants will join a “March for Democracy” by marching across the 5th street bridge and up Division Street and back across 4th Street bridge to Ames Park, a symbolic route representing the historic march from Selma to Montgomery. Concluding with a reenactment photo at the end of the 4th Street Bridge featuring a gospel song. A post-event action table will provide opportunities for continued engagement, including voter registration, ballot initiative education, and volunteer sign-ups for voting rights organizations.
“John Lewis passed away on July 17th, 2020, so this is the five-year anniversary of his death, and we are not mourning his death, we are celebrating his life and commemorating his legacy. He held a legacy of good trouble. That was his message. Get into good trouble.” – Holly Kelchner, Event Organizer, KYMN News Interview
According to a statement from the group, the event is family-friendly, non-violent, and inclusive, welcoming all community members who wish to honor Lewis’ legacy and stand together for voting rights and democratic participation. Trained marshals will be present throughout the event to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all attendees.
The group asks that you RSVP in advance: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/805043/
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