TENNESSEE TWO: The legislature expelled the “Justins” but they won’t be gone long
The two Tennessee Black Democratic lawmakers who were expelled by their Republican colleagues for leading a peaceful anti-gun protest will not be silenced.
Former Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson say they want to be reappointed, then elected back to their seats, following their expulsion.
The Shelby County Commission will soon announce its plan to fill the vacancy left by Justin Pearson’s expulsion, and the county commissioners both can and likely will, reinstall Pearson.
At the same time, Nashville’s metro council expects to reappoint Jones during a specially called Monday meeting, according to media reports.
The third member of the “Tennessee Three,” Rep. Gloria Johnson (a white woman) was spared expulsion by one vote, and told reporters afterward, “I think it has something to do with the color of our skin.”
And so did everyone else who paid any attention as Tennessee openly and proudly mocked justice to its core. Tennessee, the state that outlaws drag shows even as its Governor was revealed to have his own drag past.
Meanwhile, both Pearson and Jones have amassed immense power with their contemplative eloquence and unbending strength as they endured the most nakedly racist political act in recent history. They earned a presence in the Democratic Party for years to come and with much higher positions.
President Joe Biden spoke with both of the Justins, and Vice President Kamala Harris visited with them in Nashville.
Appearing on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, Jones and Pearson made it clear they weren’t going anywhere.
“We will continue to fight for our constituents,” Justin Jones said. “This attack against us is hurting all people in our state.”
“Even though it is disproportionately impacting Black and Brown communities,” Jones continued, “this is hurting poor white people. Their attack on democracy hurts all of us.”
Justin Pearson said the Tennessee statehouse is a “toxic work environment,” and spoke to the scrutiny he received for wearing a black dashiki (a traditional West African garment that resembles a tunic) for legislative sessions, rather than a suit and tie.
“It’s about us not belonging in the institution because they are afraid of the changes that are happening in our society, and the voices that are being elevated,” Pearson sharply noted.
EARLIER: Expelled Democratic lawmaker @justinjpearson says the Tennessee legislature has always been "toxic."
"When you have people make comments about hanging you on a tree … they're really sending signals that you don't belong here." pic.twitter.com/gGsCrWQAKY
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) April 9, 2023
WATCH: @chucktodd asks the expelled Tennessee lawmakers whether they will accept a reappointment or run in a special election to regain their seats. #MTP@brotherjones_: “Yes and yes.”@Justinjpearson: “Yes, I would be honored." pic.twitter.com/7Idar428MQ
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) April 9, 2023
MSNBC’s Jen Psaki breaks down The Justins Effect nicely, below.
*THIS IS AN OPINION COLUMN THAT SOLELY REPRESENTS THE OPINIONS OF TARA DUBLIN. HOORAY FOR THE FREE PRESS!*
Other hot takes by Tara Dublin can be found on TikTok and Twitter @taradublinrocks.
