OCEAN CITY, N.J. — Progressive advocacy groups are planning a protest in Ocean City on Thursday, July 17, as part of a national day of action they say is aimed at defending democratic institutions and civil rights.
Indivisible OCNJ, in partnership with Indivisible Atlantic County and the Fight Against Fascism Organization (FAFO), announced it will hold a demonstration titled “Good Trouble Lives On” from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., beginning at Gazebo Park on 9th Street and Bay Avenue. Organizers say the event will include speeches, live music, and a march across the 9th Street Bridge.
The action follows a protest on June 14 that organizers say drew more than 2,100 participants to the 9th Street Causeway. “We gather again, this time in honor of the late civil rights icon John Lewis, whose legacy reminds us that now is always the right time to make good trouble,” the groups said in a press release.
Demonstrators plan to march across the pedestrian path of the 9th Street Bridge to the Ocean City Visitor’s Center and back. The event is scheduled to conclude by 3 p.m.
Organizers outlined a list of issues motivating the protest, including opposition to “unconstitutional power grabs,” “deportations without due process,” cuts to federal healthcare programs, and civil rights restrictions. The statement referred to a detention center it called “Alligator Alcatraz,” although no additional details were provided.
The event is billed as nonviolent, with participants encouraged to march “in solidarity, and in defiance of tyranny.” Speakers for the rally have not yet been announced.
Indivisible OCNJ describes itself as a grassroots group focused on civic action and community engagement. FAFO, according to the release, is a veteran-led organization working to “confront fascism” and support public institutions.
The protest is part of a coordinated series of national demonstrations planned for the same day.
