
Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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Good Trouble Lives On
John Lewis was an American civil rights leader and politician best known for his chairmanship of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and leading the march in Selma, Alabama in 1965 across the Edmund Pettus Bridge.
That day, protesters were confronted by a large force of sheriff’s deputies, state troopers, and deputized “possemen” (some on horseback) who had been authorized by Alabama’s segregationist governor George Wallace to “take whatever means necessary” to prevent the march. Given two minutes to disperse, the marchers were almost immediately set upon. They were quickly doused with tear gas, overrun by horses, and attacked with bullwhips and billy clubs. As a result of the brutal assault, more than 50 marchers were hospitalized, including Lewis, whose skull was fractured but who spoke to television reporters before going to the hospital, and called on Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson to take action in Alabama. Millions of American television viewers witnessed the event, which became known as “Bloody Sunday,” and within 48 hours demonstrations in support of the marchers had taken place in some 80 American cities. The resulting heightened awareness would contribute mightily to the passage of the landmark Voting Rights Act, which was signed into law by Johnson on August 6, 1965. More of this history found at: https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Lewis-American-civil-rights-leader-and-politician
John Lewis served in the US House of Representatives for Georgia’s 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death on July 17, 2020. He had a famous saying, which was “Get into good trouble, necessary trouble,” which encourages people to actively confront injustice and inequality.
Since his passing, July 17 has become the John Lewis Day of Action. On this day, Americans have been urged to schedule meetings with our Members of Congress to talk with them about the merits of expanding access to voting, many of which are addressed in the current Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act would modernize and revitalize the Voting Rights Act of 1965, strengthening legal protections against discriminatory voting policies and practices.
This year, however, some have renamed the day, “Good Trouble Lives On,” which is a national day of nonviolent action to respond to defend our democracy and carry forward the legacy of Good Trouble.
On July 17, 2025 events are happening across the country, such as this one in Oshkosh, WI. Find an event in your area by visiting https://goodtroubleliveson.org/
It should be noted that a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals that 76% of Americans believe democracy is facing a serious threat. That percentage includes 89% of Democrats, 80% of Independents and 57% of Republicans. Additionally, 73% view politically motivated violence as a significant issue.