The film explores John Lewis, Georgia representative’s 60-plus years of social activism and legislative action on civil rights, voting rights, gun control, health care reform, and immigration.
“John Lewis: Good Trouble” is one of the most relevant movies of the year due to its highly informative narrative regarding the history of Black Civil Rights Movements throughout America. The film delves into the historical influence that John Lewis brought from the ’60s until today, highlighting his connection with the people and its surrounding community. He is not just a politician, but a leader who brings inspiration and leads a hope that strives to rectify the injustices brought about by racial inequality and racism.
There are not enough documentaries produced that honor the diverse leaders of color in the United States. While many remember only Martin Luther King Jr., many forget that there were countless numbers of other individuals that helped progress the momentum for the Civil Rights Movement.
John Lewis was one of those individuals, even at his young age of 18. He became a leader in the Nashville Student Movement, founded and led the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Community (SNCC), traveled as a Freedom Rider, and later ran to be a leading politician in a continually divided America. His long years of activism are what contributed to the growing melting pot of America’s culture and its people, including the Asian American, Latinx, and other communities of color. All of us arrived in America one way or another and we could not be where we are or do what we do without the collective movement of leaders like John Lewis, and this documentary is a wonderful reminder of that fact.
His most recent catchphrase, “Good Trouble,” is an oxymoron and one that strikes as an anomaly. How can there be such a thing as “good trouble”? What is “good trouble”? The answer is John Lewis.
He is the epitome of good trouble because just as he brought about the good changes that expanded civil rights in this country regardless of race, ethnicity, and immigration status, he was also arrested 24 times for nonviolent struggles for justice. He wasn’t afraid to walk into the throes of those that acted to oppress him due to the color of his skin and he was able to walk out with more to deliver.
“John Lewis: Good Trouble” uplifts the voices in this country to protest its injustices, even if it means to get into trouble because that trouble could just be the catalyst for a progression towards something good and just.
In Select Theaters and VOD Friday, July 3rd
