Rally Honors John Lewis' Legacy Amid Rising Rights Challenges

Rally in Oakland Commemorates John Lewis' Legacy Amidst Rising Concerns Over Rights

On Thursday, July 17, registered nurses and members of the California Nurses Association (CNA) will gather in Oakland, California, to participate in a rally titled "Good Trouble Lives On." This event marks a nationwide day of action to honor Congressman John Lewis, a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, who passed away on July 17, 2020, at the age of 80.

Cathy Kennedy, RN and president of the CNA, emphasized the importance of John Lewis' legacy stating, “Congressman John Lewis stands as a model for us all to speak up and speak out when we see injustice and to get into what he famously termed ‘good, necessary trouble.’” Kennedy further expressed concern over recent federal actions, saying, “As the federal government attacks the most vulnerable in our communities, nurses fight back against these unjust assaults. We are deeply fearful for the health and welfare of the 3.4 million Californians who will lose their medical coverage due to the passage of the Big Bad Bill. Now is the time to come together to, as Congressman Lewis said, ‘redeem the soul of America.’”

Event Details:

• Who: CNA nurses, labor leaders, community advocates
• What: John Lewis Day “Good Trouble Lives On” rally
• When: Thursday, July 17, 12-1 p.m.
• Where: California Nurses Association Headquarters, 155 Grand Ave., Oakland

The rally will feature speeches from prominent figures including Cathy Kennedy, RN, president of the California Nurses Association; Kim Tavaglione, Executive Director of the San Francisco Labor Council; Josh Anijar, Executive Director of the Contra Costa Labor Council; and Rev. Deborah Lee, Co-Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity.

The California Nurses Association/National Nurses United represents the largest and fastest-growing union and professional association of registered nurses in the U.S., comprising over 100,000 members across more than 200 facilities in California and more than 225,000 RNs nationwide.