"Good Trouble" - Islanders Protest Trump On Anniversary Of Civil Rights Activist And Politician John Lewis’ Death
JohnCarl McGrady •

Roughly 80 island residents gathered at Children’s Beach Thursday evening for an anti-President Donald Trump protest organized by Indivisible Nantucket on the anniversary of civil rights activist and politician John Lewis’ death.
Former Nantucket High School history teacher Peter Panchy spoke at the event, emphasizing Lewis’ legacy and the history of democratic governance in the United States.
“[Lewis] was committed to democracy and the ongoing struggle forward for a more just and compassionate society,” Panchy said in his speech. “We can honor him by following his example.”
Panchy has attended and spoken at Indivisible Nantucket rallies before, and recently moderated an event at the Nantucket Dreamland called Spotlight on Democracy, a panel discussion on democracy in the United States that was presented in partnership with Indivisible Nantucket.
“I really feel like the essence and the values of America are being attacked. I feel like this is not the United States that I grew up in,” Panchy said. “My goal is to, as John Lewis said, wake up America. Look at what's going on. I really believe complacency is a major force that's allowing this to happen.”

The protest, advertised as "Good Trouble Lives On," was part of the National John Lewis Day of Action, alongside many other protests across the country.
The protest is the latest in a series of demonstrations organized by Indivisible Nantucket, which has seen a spike in activity since Trump returned to the White House.
“The worst-case scenario is happening, and everyone has been reaching out to Indivisible,” said Alison Forsgren, an Indivisible organizer.. “It's unbelievable that we're dealing with what we're dealing with.”
Protestors spoke about the importance of not remaining quiet and the sense of community they feel at Indivisible rallies.
“The way that authoritarianism succeeds is by instilling that fear, so that no one is willing to speak up. So, myself in particular, I feel like I'm in a place where I can stick my neck out,” Indivisible organizer Brad Smith said. “Plus, it's just fun and nice to commiserate with your neighbors, and actually, you feel better afterwards.”