The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation Good Trouble Gala celebration serves as a collective moment of reflection on the life and legacy of John Lewis and also celebrates his and Lillian Miles Lewis’ shared vision and values. The event raises critical funds necessary to underwrite initiatives that advance the values John and Lillian Miles lived.
Almost 450 people attended the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation 2025 Good Trouble Gala at Flourish in Atlanta on Thursday evening, marking the first time the gala has been held in Congressman John Lewis’ hometown. The event convened leaders, changemakers and advocates to celebrate the life and legacy of Congressman John Lewis and Lillian Miles Lewis, honor leaders who embody the values they championed and raise critical funds to support programs and initiatives that continue to advance their legacy and work.
Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and now the 14th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, received the John Lewis Carry On Award. Billye Suber Aaron, a pioneering television host, philanthropist, civic leader and co-founder of the Chasing the Dream Foundation, received the inaugural Lillian Miles Lewis Luminary Award.
“Atlanta was the city chosen for some of the most precious and monumental decisions Congressman Lewis made. He knew Atlanta could be trusted to amplify youth civic engagement, preserve and promote civil rights history, define and promote ‘good trouble’ and good troublemakers and build cross-sector partnerships and collaborations,” said Detria Austin Everson, President and CEO of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “Atlanta was the only place he could establish the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, because Atlanta is home. We are ready at the Foundation to do exactly what he asked us to do, and that is carry on.”
“I believe that when hearts and minds come together in love and purpose, the spirits of Congressman John Lewis and Mrs. Lillian Miles Lewis are truly present,” said Michael Collins, Board Chair of the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation. “Their lives were built on public service, justice and love. It is our charge to preserve and protect that sacred legacy.”
As a nation, if we care for the Beloved Community, we must move our feet, our hands, our hearts, our resources to build and not tear down, to reconcile and not to divide, to love and not to hate.
John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We strive to provide accurate, timely, and complete reports. 2023, Form 990
