photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

Protesters gather for the May Day 2025 nationwide protest on Thursday, May 1, 2025, in downtown Lawrence.

Organizers are hoping for a big turnout Thursday at a peaceful rally to protest what they call ongoing attacks on civil and human rights by the Donald Trump administration.

The rally, set for 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, along West Sixth Street between Watson Park and Lawrence City Hall, is in conjunction with the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

“Good trouble” is a phrase coined by the late Congressman John Lewis, a prominent civil rights activist who died five years ago Thursday. The phrase refers to constructively and nonviolently disrupting unjust systems.

“Rosa Parks inspired us to get in trouble,” Lewis said in 2019. “And I’ve been getting in trouble ever since. She inspired us to find a way, to get in the way, to get in what I call good trouble, necessary trouble.”

Tens of thousands of people are expected to turn out nationwide in a showing similar to the “No Kings” rallies that took place last month.

Organizers of the Lawrence event encourage people to bring signs and to be mindful of the heat. Those who can’t directly participate are encouraged to drive by and show support by honking.