#TalkRadio – July 9: Making Good Trouble 2024 – East Coast and Midwest Rising! Preview of July 17th John Lewis National Day of Action and Candlelight Vigils

SPEAKERS:

Diane Arbery: 12:00 PM – 12:57 PM ET
Eldest Aunt of Ahmaud Arbery, Brunswick, Georgia

Christine Wood: 12:00 PM – 12:57 PM ET
Co-Director, Declaration For American Democracy

Lawrence Moore: 12:00 PM – 12:57 PM ET
Chair of the Executive Committee, Carolina For All

Betty Magness: 12:00 PM – 12:57 PM ET
Illinois Political Director, Rainbow PUSH Coalition

INTRODUCTION:

The Igniting Change Radio Show on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Eastern Time, entitled, “Making Good Trouble 2024- East Coast and Midwest Rising!: Preview of July 17th John Lewis National Day of Action and Candlelight Vigils”, will be live with Radio Show Co-Hosts and Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) Co-Leaders Attorneys Barbara Arnwine, Esq. and Daryl Jones, Esq. and will feature special guests Diane Arbery; Lawrence Moore; Christine Wood; and, Betty Magness. Today’s show will preview the upcoming July 17th John Lewis National Day of Action and Candlelight Vigils and the need for passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act, and the Washington, D.C. Admissions Act.

July 17, 2024 marks the 4th anniversary of the death of the Late Congressman John Lewis! On that day, we will come together in events across the country to commemorate his death and more importantly his life work to secure voting rights for all people. With the going attack on democracy, the events will highlight the urgency of this moment in our history. We intend to educate, motivate and activate our community to work towards the passage of the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act, and the Washington D.C. Admissions Act

As the epidemic of voter suppression continues to expand in our nation, the urgency of passage of curative and proactive federal legislation has become more evident. On July 17th, TJC, Declaration for American Democracy (DFAD Coalition), Black Voters Matter, Public Citizen, The Leadership Conference, and the League of Women Voters are inviting individuals, activists, advocates, clergy, union members, teachers, students, community organizations, religious institutions, associations, fraternities, sororities- EVERYONE- to host local activities marking the fourth anniversary of the passing of our Voting Rights Champion, the late Congressman John Lewis. As the late Congressman John Lewis wrote the first 300 pages of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act is named in his honor, it is most fitting that we commemorate his legacy by reaffirming our commitment to passing these most important bills. It is anticipated that there will be hundreds of events held throughout the nation in cities, townships, and parishes, including marches, votercades, celebration villages, teach-ins, and much more culminating that evening in candlelight vigils. 

QUESTIONS:

• Christine, in 2021, there was talk about possibly doing something to commemorate John Lewis and you suggested that there be candlelight vigils held throughout the nation. What gave you that idea?
• Christine, when you saw your vision manifest in 2021, even though we were still in the COVID-pandemic era, how did it make you feel?
• Betty, here we are in 2024, and over 80 cities and townships – so far!- on July 17th are holding commemorative events and candlelight vigils. What does this mean for our fight for national voting rights legislation?
• Lawrence, what is the significance of July 17th, 2024?
• Lawrence, South Carolina is coming out strong for the July 17th events! Tell us about some of the events being held.
• Betty, working with the mighty Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson and many other talented people in Chicago, you have organized some strong events. Tell us what to expect for this Chicago 2024 Day of Action.
• Diane, as the eldest aunt of Ahmaud Arbery, who was slain for “jogging while Black” in 2020, explain to people why you are organizing a John Lewis event in Brunswick, Georgia?
• Diane, what has been the reaction of people in Brunswick to the planning of this event?
• Christine, you’re organizing an event in Syracuse, New York. Tell us about this event.
• Christine, looking at the Mobilize which lists all of these 80+ events, what have you found the most inspiring?
• Lawrence, how do you intend to translate your planning beyond July 17th?
• Why is it so important to pass the Freedom to Vote Act, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Native American Voting Rights Act, and the Washington D.C. Admissions Act?
• How can people throughout the nation become part of this critical day of action and vigils? (They can sign up at  TinyURL.com/2024JohnLewis, VotingRightsAlliance.org, or tjcoalition.org to become a host for a John Lewis Day of Action event and see the events being held near them.)
• Today, July 9th at 4:00 PM Eastern, there is going to be a meeting for everyone interested in being part of this July 17th Movement. Please tell people how to register.
• What are your one-minute final thoughts to our listeners?
• Thank you for all of your hard work. How do our listeners get in contact with you?