LIBERTY — The July 21 Liberty Town Board meeting consisted of residents demanding answers for the cancellation of the Good Trouble community event meant to honor civil rights icon John Lewis.

What began as a routine board meeting quickly shifted during public comment, as residents voiced frustration regarding an incident earlier this month. Several individuals said they were discouraged from holding a peaceful celebration at Hanofee Park on July 17, the day many across the nation gathered to commemorate the late Congressman and civil rights leader.

Ken Wampler, the event’s lead organizer, said they had initially received approval from Liberty Parks and Recreation. However, just 48 hours before the scheduled celebration, organizers received a phone call from Parks and Recreation rescinding that approval, stating the event would not be permitted if it was “political” in nature.

The event was sponsored by We Are One Sullivan, the NAACP, Rural and Migrant Ministry, Inc., and the Committee for Equity and Justice. With guest speakers and performers already confirmed, and feeling they were not involved in any political solicitation, organizers made the decision to relocate the gathering to New Memories in Parksville to avoid further complications.

Liberty resident Kathie Aberman spoke first at the Town Meeting, stating, “According to our poster and publicity, our event was to be a joyful celebration of the courage and commitment of Congressman John Lewis.” She went on to say, “48 hours before our approved event, we were threatened by the Town of Liberty, how ironic.”

Pastor Douglas Bowman also addressed the board by saying, “I do not understand why you would allow this to happen when I know, for a fact, that you allowed other things to happen in that park; gun shows, political fundraisers. Explain to me why you would do that to an organization that was trying to push forth history in the making of celebrating a man who was brutally beaten and stayed non-violent,” he said, drawing applause from those in attendance.

The board did not respond immediately to the concerns raised. Bowman attempted to speak again and pressed for an explanation, but the board ended public comment and shifted to other agenda items, including plans to use grant funding for new basketball courts in Liberty.

Despite the concerns raised and the relocation of the event, the celebration ended up running according to plan, with a strong turnout and a tribute to John Lewis that left organizers and participants proud of the event’s outcome.

[Editor’s note: The reporter for this story is the granddaughter of Francis ‘Stretch’ Hanofee, for whom Hanofee Park in Liberty is named after.]