The Doylestown Action League is bringing speakers, musicians, and a food drive to the lawn of the Bucks County Administration Building on Saturday for a free outdoor rally honoring the late Rep. John Lewis.
The "Good Trouble Lives On" event runs from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and is part of a national Weekend of Action taking place Friday through Sunday. It's free, open to the public and organizers are encouraging attendees to bring lawn chairs, blankets and signs.
Jesse Ketchel, who organized the league's January "Concert for Democracy" in New Hope, is coordinating the lineup. The Doylestown Action League was co-founded by Lolly Hopwood, whose stated mission for the group is to gather the community to fight for the ideals of democracy.
The speaker list includes Bob Harvie, the Bucks County commissioner and Democratic candidate for Pennsylvania's 1st Congressional District; Barbara Simmons, who has led the Langhorne-based Peace Center for more than 30 years; Ian Austin, described by organizers as a Delaney Hall activist; and Liza Heavener, described by organizers as a former John Lewis staffer. Nick Maio will emcee.
Harvie, a fourth-generation Bucks County resident and former social studies teacher, won the Democratic primary on May 19, and faces Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in the November general election. Simmons has built conflict resolution programs in over 300 schools across Pennsylvania and New Jersey through the Peace Center, which was established in 1982.
"We're really, truly connected to one another, but we've lost sight of that," Simmons told Spotlight PA. "So that's really my life's purpose."
Musical acts include Mindy Murrey, Neal Carson, Baron Tiger and Dissent Rising. Baron Tiger and Maio both appeared at the league's January concert in New Hope.
Alongside the rally, the Action League is collecting non-perishable food and toiletries for local food banks and service agencies. Attendees can drop off donations at the event.
The Bucks County Administration Building is in Doylestown. More information about the national movement is available at goodtroubleliveson.org.
Coming up
- Saturday, July 18: "Good Trouble Lives On" rally, 2–4:30 p.m., Bucks County Administration Building lawn, Doylestown. Free. Bring chairs, signs, and food or toiletry donations.
