Now That No Kings Protests Are Past…

July 17: Good Trouble Lives On, plus the Weekly San Diego Resistance Calendar

Today and in the coming days, some Americans will observe Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery. Most gatherings for the day are non-threatening to the residual white supremacism deeply interwoven in Western European culture and politics. They’re more like a necessary pause in the ongoing battle for liberation to acknowledge what’s good in our Black communities.

Today’s resistance calendar includes a number of local events in observance of the date, most of which are family-forward events centered around cultural and spiritual matters.

Hanging over the observations of Juneteenth is the distinct probability that this year’s acknowledgement of striving toward a nation honoring the equality of all Americans will be the last one. One hundred and sixty years after it happened, we are in danger of losing as those in power have set about rewriting the record.

Acknowledgement of our nation’s racial struggles is being erased from textbooks, culture, and public displays on the basis of such actions being illegal; that they cause discomfort for those whose lineage might trace back to people who enabled or engaged in the notion that some people are more equal than others.

W.E.B. Du Bois:

• "The slave went free; stood a brief moment in the sun; then moved back again toward slavery." Emancipation alone was not liberation; it marked a transition to new forms of racial capitalism and systemic oppression.

Ultimately, our latest set of wannabe masters can trace their wealth or expectations to the system of chattel slavery responsible for the growth of industrial economies. Racism provided the ideological justification for a system driven by profit, exploitation, and capitalist gain.

We must acknowledge that our current (or impending) perils are driven by the super wealthy, seeking to erase or obscure our oft-flawed history of democracy in furtherance of economic and cultural systems serving themselves. Any analysis that fails to put this class war front and center can only be used (at best) to delay the rise of a techno-monarchy, which will use all our divisions to consolidate their rule.

After the overwhelming success of No Kings Day protests, some people are asking what’s next, as if a singular type of event will derail the Project 2025/Trump agenda. The short answer is what’s next is right in front of their eyes. It’s a million+ plus occurrences, from the spontaneous to the orchestrated that will lead to an existence free of imminent tyranny and oppression.

This week’s Resistance Calendar reflects the growing realization of the hard work ahead. New groups are popping up (yay Chula Vista!), making new initiatives toward building a movement capable of stopping our current challenges.

The direction and nature of the Resistance must be multi-faceted and forward looking. Thus, the consensus I’m seeing is even more localized actions throughout the nation on July 17, in commemoration of John Lewis’ birthday.

“Good Trouble” throughout every corner of the US is what is coming. This is not about the weekend or the number of people gathered in one place; it’s about the breadth of the injustices and oppression we face. In the meantime, all the smaller expressions of dissent must continue to build. There are new listings this week; support them if you can.

We will not acquiesce.

Be sure to check out the bonus video at the end of this post to see what’s got the MAGA meanies upset this week.

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San Diego Resistance Calendar June 19 - 27, 2025

I do my best to alert readers to events as fast as I learn of them. If you hear or know of something, let me know: shoot me an email, message me on Facebook, or leave a comment on this post.

Thursday - Juneteenth
(Go have a picnic with your family and/or friends)

6/19- Drive-by to support the Elderly-- Hands off our social security and benefits 10:30-11:30 Westmont at San Miguel Ranch 2325 Proctor Valley Rd Chula Vista. Drive by and beep for the Elderly at our first protest together with the residents of Westmont at San Miguel Ranch! We want to encourage the elderly to pay attention and to have their voices heard by offering them an easy and convenient option so they can practice their first amendment right! SIGN UP

6/19 - El Cajon Dissatisfied with Issa Demonstration, 11am-12:30pm, Corner of Magnolia and Fletcher Parkway. Details.

6/19 - Virtual Event, What's the Plan: A Weekly Discussion w/ Indivisible Co-Founders, Noon, Register Here

6/19 - San Marcos Dissatisfied with Issa Demonstration 3-4pm, Corner of Grand and San Marcos Details

6/19 - Zoom Event - Juneteenth Spoken Word Open Mic! 4-5pm This celebration night invites you to grab the mic or settle in for something real. You’ll hear raw, poetic, and often hilarious takes on freedom, gratitude, resilience, hope and identity from some of San Diego’s most compelling storytellers. It’s an open space for local voices to share original pieces and reflect on what Juneteenth means right now.

6/19 - Night at the Black Museum 5-8pm 2471 Congress Street San Diego. Get immersed in history, art, and community at one of San Diego’s most distinctive cultural spaces, the Casa Del Rey Moro African Latin Museum in Old Town. “Night at the Black Museum” is a powerful celebration of Black stories and creativity, featuring private museum tours, live music, food and drinks, cultural reflections, and a special address from Founder Chuck Ambers. It’s an intimate, emotionally rich experience that balances reverence with celebration, raising funds to help preserve and amplify stories that matter.

6/19-22 - Black Arts Festival Various times. 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego. The Diversionary Theatre is highlighting the beauty and diversity of Black artistic expression. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Black arts or just curious to explore something new, this festival is a rich way to connect with both emerging creatives and established talents. Come curious, but leave inspired. Hosted by the San Diego Black Artists Collective, the celebration goes beyond June 19 with a full weekend of events, so check out their page!

6/19 - Blacked Out: A Community Film and Discussion Series 6pm Eyes On the Prize III - We who Believe in Freedom Cannot Rest 1977 - 2105 Free event - RSVP Required due to limited seating

Friday

6/20 - KEEP ICE OUT OF COURTROOMS! 10am Edward J. Schwartz federal Building, 880 Front St, San Diego - Nonviolent collective action is how we overcome Trump’s abuses of power. Doing this every day until ICE is gone. There is strength in numbers, and we need everyone to rotate through these struggles so the same people are not bearing the burden and burning out. You can’t do everything, but you can do something.

6/20 - San Diego’s Bishop-designate Pham, a Vietnamese refugee, invites priests and faith leaders to “stand in solidarity”with migrants at the courthouse as they make court appearances. 7 - 10am

6/20 - Your Rights Your Power 8-9:15pm TriCity Islamic Center, 2136 Industrial Court, Vista. A know your rights session to equip you and the community with the knowledge you need to stay informed and safe when stopped or questioned by ICE, TSA, or law enforcement. CAIR Facebook page

6/20 - Escondido Dissatisfied with Issa Demonstration, 10:30am - Noon, 221 West Crest Street Details

6/20 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

Saturday

6/21 - Feet on the streets against all things trump 10:15am-12:30pm Birch Road & Millenia Avenue (2015 Birch Road) Chula Vista. This is becoming a regular spot for our voices to be heard and for the unengaged to see "regular people" fighting for democracy consistently. We are getting more and more positive beeps and encouragement from the community, even the foot traffic - they are now "regulars" welcoming us each weekend as we grow! RSVP

6/21 - Juneteenth in Oceanside 10am Pier View Way, Oceanside. Hosted by the North San Diego County NAACP, this seaside festival is all about community and the power of people showing up for one another. It’s part block party, part history lesson, and all heart, with live performers, health booths, a “Juneteenth Got Talent” showcase, and a vendor market full of art, culture, and flavor. Bring the whole family for Youth Zone fun like games, crafts, and face painting, and swing by the CAL FIRE booth if you’re curious about turning passion into a career.

6/21 - The 619 Day Juneteenth Celebration 12:30-6:30 2600 Cushing Rd San Diego. For the past five years, the 619 Day Juneteenth Celebration has been a powerful tribute to Black freedom in San Diego. Created by the community, for the community, this event welcomes attendees to bring canopies, tents, coolers, chairs, and grills to set up in the family-friendly chill zone all at Liberty Station’s NTC Park. It’s also a platform for connection, where local entrepreneurs can share their stories, boost visibility, and engage with the San Diego community in meaningful, lasting ways.

6/21 - 5th Annual Juneteenth at the Beach + Paddle for Peace 9am-4pm North Kellogg Park, La Jolla Shores Beach, San Diego. Join us for our 5th Annual Juneteenth Summer Kick Off BBQ, a day filled with delicious food, exciting community activities, and uplifting vibes to celebrate this special day. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public and promises unforgettable memories as we honor our history and welcome the summer.

6/21 - Gun Buyback 11am-2pm Joe & Vi Jacobs Center 404 Euclid Ave, San Diego. Drop off your unwanted firearm - no questions asked - and receive a gift card in exchange. $100 for handguns, rifles and shotguns. $200 for assault weapons. Place unloaded firearms in the trunk of your car. All firearms collected will be destroyed. Please share with anyone who has unwanted firearms. INFO

6/21 - Climate Legislation Training 1:30-3:30pm San Diego Education Association 10393 San Diego Mission Road, Suite 100. SD350’s annual legislative training will help YOU develop skills and confidence in communicating with elected officials and build your knowledge about key climate bills currently progressing through in the California state legislature. SanDiego350.org

6/21 Moved to 6/28 Zoom - Take Action San Diego Monthly Meeting 4-5pm Our June 21, 2025 meeting will take up the all-important topic, "Building On the Momentum: What Comes Next, And Why It Matters". LINK

6/21 - Canvassing for Gun Violence Prevention Candidate Paloma Aguirre 10am-1pm 629 Third Ave Suite 1 Chula Vista. We're demanding real change at the County Board of Supervisors. That starts with protecting our majority and electing Paloma Aguirre in District One!

6/21 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

Sunday

6/22 - Democracy Corner Chula Vista Noon-1pm 2255 Otay Lakes Rd, Chula Vista. Weekly sign-waving in front of the Islands restaurant on Otay Lakes Road. Bring a large, easily readable sign. Please no noisemakers (megaphones, cow bells, whistles, etc.). We will use our signs, waves & smiles to encourage motorists to "Honk for Democracy". RSVP

6/22 - Ramona Resist Protest 11am-1pm, 10th & Main Street

6/22 - Picket - Blue Corner Group, Poway 11am-12:30 pm Poway and Community Roads

6/22 - Peaceful Protest - At the Kook Statue, Encinitas - Noon-2pm

6/22 - Support Ukraine Rally at Balboa Park 2-4pm El Cid Statue

6/22 - Canvassing for Gun Violence Prevention Candidate Paloma Aguirre 10am-1pm 629 Third Ave Suite 1 Chula Vista. We're demanding real change at the County Board of Supervisors. That starts with protecting our majority and electing Paloma Aguirre in District One!

6/22 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

Monday

6/23 - Virtual Event Newtown Action Alliance - Lunch & Lobby 9 - 11am Briefing on the latest updates in the gun violence prevention movement followed by calls to Congress. REGISTER

6/23 - Virtual event Newtown Action Alliance - After Hours lobby session 5-7pm Volunteers come together for an evening of action on federal gun violence prevention legislation. First-time volunteers are extremely welcome. Register

6/23 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

6/23 - Pacific Beach Community Climate Conversation 5-7:30pm Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library 4275 Cass Street. RSVP

6/23 - KEEP ICE OUT OF COURTROOMS! 10am Edward J. Schwartz federal Building, 880 Front St, San Diego - Nonviolent collective action is how we overcome Trump’s abuses of power. Doing this every day until ICE is gone. There is strength in numbers, and we need everyone to rotate through these struggles so the same people are not bearing the burden and burning out. You can’t do everything, but you can do something.

Tuesday

6/24 - Protect Social Security Rally & Protest 11:30am-1pm. Social Security Administration Offices, 7961 University Ave La Mesa. Bring your signs in support of Social Security, and make sure to bring a hat, and your own water. We’ll be on the sidewalk in a relatively sunny location, so a hat will make a big difference. RSVP

6/24 - Demonstrate for our Democracy, 4:30-6:30pm, Corner of Mira Mesa Blvd & Westwood Pkwy Black Mountain Democrats

6/24 - Zoom LWV Housing and Homeless meeting 4pm Join Meeting

6/24 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

6/24 - KEEP ICE OUT OF COURTROOMS! 10am Edward J. Schwartz federal Building, 880 Front St, San Diego - Nonviolent collective action is how we overcome Trump’s abuses of power. Doing this every day until ICE is gone. There is strength in numbers, and we need everyone to rotate through these struggles so the same people are not bearing the burden and burning out. You can’t do everything, but you can do something.

Wednesday

6/25 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

6/25 - KEEP ICE OUT OF COURTROOMS! 10am Edward J. Schwartz federal Building, 880 Front St, San Diego - Nonviolent collective action is how we overcome Trump’s abuses of power. Doing this every day until ICE is gone. There is strength in numbers, and we need everyone to rotate through these struggles so the same people are not bearing the burden and burning out. You can’t do everything, but you can do something.

6/25 - Zoom LWV Events Committee Meeting 9:30-10:30am Join Meeting Meeting ID: 857 4026 2718 Passcode: 726830

6/25 - Zoom LWV Speakers Bureau Meeting 5:30-6:30pm Join Meeting

6/25 - Virtual Vision Quilt by Summer School with the Grandmothers 10am Vision Quilt's mission is to prevent gun violence by empowering communities to create solutions through the power of art, education and inclusive systemic change. RSVP

6/25 - 2025 Regional Transportation Plan: South County Learning Session 5:30 - 7pm Nation City Public Library Reading Room 1401 National City Blvd, National City. We need your help to tell the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) that we want to see an enhanced transit system that is safe, reliable, and accessible. See the public comment toolkit here.

Thursday

6/26 - El Cajon Dissatisfied with Issa Demonstration, 11am-12:30pm, Corner of Magnolia and Fletcher Parkway. Details.

6/26 - Virtual Event, What's the Plan: A Weekly Discussion w/ Indivisible Co-Founders, Noon, Register Here

6/26 - San Marcos Dissatisfied with Issa Demonstration 3-4pm, Corner of Grand and San Marcos Details

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Friday

6/27 - KEEP ICE OUT OF COURTROOMS! 10am Edward J. Schwartz federal Building, 880 Front St, San Diego - Nonviolent collective action is how we overcome Trump’s abuses of power. Doing this every day until ICE is gone. There is strength in numbers, and we need everyone to rotate through these struggles so the same people are not bearing the burden and burning out. You can’t do everything, but you can do something.

6/27 - UC Pride Picnic 5-8pm 3585 Governor Drive. Join us for an evening of friendship and fun at Standley Park. We'll be set up near the playground under the gazebo, bring your chairs or picnic blankets as desired. There will be activities for all ages including a tie dye station! BYO item to tie dye and we'll have everything you need. We welcome you to bring your entire family and share this invitation with any other supportive neighbors and friends. We hope to see you there!

6/27 - Escondido Dissatisfied with Issa Demonstration, 10:30am - Noon, 221 West Crest Street Details

6/27 - Rally for Veterans and Active Military 5pm 20250 Vandegrift Blvd, Oceanside In support of VA workers and active duty service members who are at risk of being deployed to suppress protests exercising first amendment rights in LA and other cities across the nation. SIGN UP

Here’s the promised video.