Dozens lined Cabrillo Boulevard Saturday as part of a nationwide demonstration honoring John Lewis’ legacy of nonviolent activism.
Hosted by Indivisible Santa Barbara, the demonstration took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Participants lined both sides of the beachfront sidewalk carrying signs supporting voting rights, democracy and Lewis’ legacy of nonviolent protest. Passing motorists frequently honked in support as demonstrators waved signs reading “Protect Our Vote,” “Good Trouble Lives On” and “Get in Good Trouble.”
This event was one of hundreds of demonstrations held throughout the country commemorating Lewis, whose lifelong work helped secure voting rights and advance the Civil Rights Movement.
Organizers said that this year’s event focused on defending citizens’ voting rights through peaceful civic engagement and public education.
“We the people must, in the spirit of making good trouble, show up, speak up, and let everyone know we will not just sit back and watch the vote and elections be grifted away,” said Ian Paige, a member of Santa Barbara’s steering committee, in a statement released ahead of the event.
According to event organizers, the demonstration also intended to encourage civic participation and raise awareness of what they described as threats to free and fair elections.
The group also criticized immigration enforcement actions and the deployment of National Guard troops in some US cities, saying those actions could discourage voter participation.
Participants were encouraged to bring handmade signs supporting voting rights and Lewis’ message of peaceful resistance.
Indivisible Santa Barbara is part of the nationwide Indivisible movement, which describes its mission as electing progressive leaders, strengthening democratic institutions and opposing President Donald Trump’s political agenda.
