Almost 450 Attend Good Trouble Gala Atlanta

Almost 450 Attend John And Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation 2025 Good Trouble Gala In Atlanta, Celebrating Leaders Carrying On Lewis’ Legacy

Honorees Included Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III and Atlanta Television Pioneer Billye Suber Aaron

ATLANTA (May 30, 2025)—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.”

Jason Carter, Chairman of the Board at The Carter Center, moderated a Good Trouble Talk with Secretary Lonnie Bunch. Much of the discussion focused on the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Congressman Lewis was the driving force behind the legislation creating the museum.

The Foundation also awarded three $5,000 Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grants and thirteen $1,000 Good Troublemaker Scholarships.

The grants aim to support community-based programs that foster positive change, advance democracy and empower communities guided by truth, integrity and moral clarity.

The scholarships primarily support passionate student leaders committed to academic success and civic engagement, with an interest in education, literacy or library science. The organizations and students are all from Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District.

The evening also featured a preview performance from the cast of Theatrical Outfit’s YOUNG JOHN LEWIS, a new “Made in Atlanta” hip hop musical focusing on 10 crucial years in the early life of the congressman, and his journey from student activist to major leader in the Civil Rights movement. The Foundation is a Community Partner for the production, which will run from June 4 through June 29.

Other notable speakers included Sen. Jon Ossoff; Rep. Nikema Williams; Atlanta Mayor André Dickens; Chris Womack, President and CEO of Southern Company; and John-Miles Lewis. Cheryl Johnson, a former Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives presented the John Lewis Carry On Award to Lonnie Bunch. Henrietta Antoinin and Carolyn Young presented the Lillian Miles Lewis Luminary Award to Billye Suber Aaron. Karyn Greer from WSB-TV was the emcee. Rabbi Lauren Henderson gave the invocation and Rev. Kenneth Alexander gave the Benediction.

Jason Carter, Xernona Clayton, Mayor Andre Dickens, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Ambassador Andrew Young were Honorary Chairs for the event. Entrepreneur and philanthropist Arthur M. Blank, Michael Collins, Tharon Johnson, John-Miles Lewis and Chris Womack were the Gala Co-chairs.

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Good Troublemaker Neighborhood Grant Recipients

• Black Man Lab Foundation, Inc.: The Black Man Lab Foundation is an intergenerational community that empowers young Black men through mentorship, life skills development, and civic engagement in a supportive, village-style environment.

• KiDsGyM USA®: KiDsGyM USA® is a nonprofit that has empowered children for nearly 40 years through movement-based education, gymnastics, and mentorship programs that promote confidence, resilience, and wellness.

• The Noble Truth Project, Inc.: The Noble Truth Project empowers young Black men through its Glaciers Ice program, combining mentorship, literacy, and entrepreneurship to offer a positive, income-generating alternative to street vending in Atlanta.

 

Good Troublemaker Scholarship Winners

• Sunda Banks, North Atlanta High School, who will be attending Kennesaw State University.

• Wendell Campbell IV, Midtown High School, who will be attending Morehouse College.

• Zakia Dowdy, Frederick Douglass High School, who will be attending Kennesaw State.

• Joseph Francis, Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, who will be attending Georgia Tech.

• Jayden Hodges, Booker T. Washington High School, who will be attending Clark Atlanta University.

• Melvin Hodges, Charles R. Drew Charter School, who will be attending Howard University.

• Beli Infantry Johnson, Charles R. Drew Charter School, who will be attending New York University.

• Natasha Joseph, Booker T. Washington High School, who will be attending Alabama State University./li>

• Adonis McCrary, Frederick Douglass High School, who will be attending Georgia Tech.

• Isis Meggett, Charles R. Drew Charter School, who will be attending American University.

• Kaelyn Myers, Charles R. Drew Charter School, who will be attending Howard University.

• Joseph Richburg, Charles R. Drew Charter School, who will be attending Morehouse College.

• Amir Tookes, Charles R. Drew Charter School, who will be attending Morehouse College.

 

About the Foundation

The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation (JLMLF), was conceived by Congressman Lewis to carry on his and his wife’s passion for purposeful living, civic engagement and building the “beloved community,” and to inspire and support Good Trouble. For more information about the John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation, please visit jlmlf.org. The John and Lillian Miles Lewis Foundation Board includes Michael E. Collins (Chair); Stephen L. McDaniel (Secretary); J. Veronica Biggins, Sherry Z. Frank; Tharon Johnson; and Rodney E. Slater. President and CEO Detria Austin Everson, is an ex officio member of the Board.

Contact

For more information, or for pictures/b-roll from the event, please contact Neil Parekh via email neil@digimentors.group