SPOKANE, Wash. – Hundreds gathered in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene as part of a national movement inspired by the late Congressman John Lewis.
In Spokane’s B.A. Clark Park, organizers reported nearly 2,000 people participated to honor Lewis’s legacy of “good trouble.”
“This is a protest — feels kind of funny — but it’s a celebration that good trouble lives on. Because this is the anniversary of his passing,” said Cynthia Hamilton, a leader with Indivisible Spokane.
Dr. Scott Finney from Eastern Washington University joined the rally to provide historical context, linking the event to the 1960s marches.
“In a sense, you could say violence only activates the body — but nonviolence actually activates the soul, the heart, and the conscience,” he said.
In Coeur d’Alene, approximately 600 people protested along U.S. 95. Organizers there shared a similar message, opposing policies viewed as threats to human dignity.
“Sometimes when you speak up — especially with everything going on — you can’t go with the status quo. You have to step up and advocate for what is right, not just for the individuals in this community, but across the nation,” Sarah Martin, an organizer for the Coeur d’Alene protest, stated.
However, not everyone supported the protests. A small group of young men stood alongside the protesters, expressing support for President Trump and criticizing the protest’s premise.
“I just support Trump because of what he’s doing — kicking out the immigrants coming from Mexico, giving fentanyl and stuff. I think what he’s doing with ICE is very good — kicking all of them out. If you come here illegally, it’s against the law,” said Aiden Krill, a Trump supporter.
Despite differing viewpoints, both sides exercised their First Amendment rights, either marching in support or standing in dissent.
