5 years ago, we lost John Lewis, a civil rights activist, longtime congressman, and lifelong fighter for justice. Lewis dedicated his life to creating a more fair and equal world. He marched on the front lines of the civil rights movement in Selma, sat in the halls of Congress, and never gave up on the idea that America could be better.

Now, as we face growing threats to our freedoms, from continued attacks on voting rights to rising authoritarianism, his voice still calls us to action. His words remind us that real change takes courage, persistence, and a whole lot of “good trouble.”

Here are 10 quotes from John Lewis to guide us through this moment:

“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” – From the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, 2020

“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.” — During the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump, 2019

“Freedom is not a state; it is an act… Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.” — From Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America

“Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part.” — From Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change

“A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few… Peace cannot exist where justice is not served.” — On the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

“We have been too quiet for too long. There comes a time when you have to say something. You have to make a little noise. You have to move your feet. This is the time.” — At the House sit-in after the Pulse nightclub shooting, 2016

“Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society. Why? Because human beings are the most dynamic link to the divine on this planet.” — From Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change

“You are a light. You are the light. Never let anyone — any person or any force — dampen, dim or diminish your light… Hold only love, only peace in your heart, knowing that the battle of good to overcome evil is already won.” — From Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America

“Sometimes you have to not just dream about what could be—you get out and push, and you pull, and you preach.” — From “Bill Moyers and John Lewis on Marching for Hope,” 2013

“Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year — it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” — From a 2018 tweet

Let’s honor John Lewis by doing what he did best: showing up with compassion, standing up with courage, and never backing down in the pursuit of justice.