Hi, I’m Lisa Smith and I am running for Aiken City Council in District 6.
I’m proud to say that I am good at making trouble
I’m happy to be here with all of you fellow good troublemakers honoring the legacy of Senator John Lewis
Senator Lewis said, “Speak up, Speak out, and get into Good Trouble, Necessary Trouble, and Do what is Right!”
Aiken’s own Do it Right movement is where I became known as a good troublemaker.
Our “Do it Right” movement was not about fighting for equality or voting rights, it was about asking city government to follow the law, to be fair and inclusive, and to listen to it’s citizens.
Senator Lewis said “When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up. You have to say something, you have to do something.”
I am inspired by those words.
The Do it Right movement was a chance for me to know Bill and BB McGhee, well known Good Troublemakers. I’ve watched them fight battles, and win or lose they’ve conducted themselves with grace. Mr. McGhee had that quiet smile that could be ironic, and sometimes a bit sad, but he was always filled with a patient perseverance and optimism that inspired me, even though I could not fully understand it. He would not give up.
I wish I’d told him that.
The McGhees believe in preservation and so do I. Through Preservation we honor our history. We don’t just have plaques and memories but actual pieces of our heritage surrounding us.
Senator Lewis said “Too many of us still believe that our differences define us.”
And sadly he was right.
Let’s work together for the things we all deserve like Clean water, safe neighborhoods, safe streets, access to health care, good schools and even good groceries stores. We are stronger together.
I’ve been inspired by all of you being here today, by the No Kings Rally and by this Good Trouble march. I will keep speaking out for what is right for all of Aiken.
Thank you
And Remember, Senator Lewis said “the vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool that we have.” We honor those that fought for our right to vote by doing it!