My Take: Tennesse in Turmoil

The expulsion of two Black lawmakers is blatant racism

The Tennesse Three has become the Tennessee Two as lawmakers, Justin Jones and Justin Pearson have made national and international news. The Republican-held House of Representatives at the Tennessee State House voted to expel the two young, Black lawmakers for siding with protesters over gun control.

The worst-case scenario as pointed out by Representative Pearson would be censure — not expulsion. The Republican lawmakers made a power grab to eliminate the voices of the people that Jones and Pearson represent. Now the two lawmakers are making the interview rounds sharing their experiences with millions of viewers.

So outrageous was the ouster that even the White House became involved by sending Vice President Kamala Harris to Tennessee to meet Jones and Pearson. The third member of the Tennesse Three was also there but remains in her position. She wasn’t expelled, probably due to “the color of her skin,” as she stated.

Harris was visibly upset as she spoke from the podium of a popular church. The Tennessee Three were in the front row, clapping and shouting along with Harris. As she addressed the packed room, she denounced the actions of the Republican-held House. Harris believes that their actions were the epitome of racism and fascism.

Tennessee is in turmoil. Two weeks ago, a disturbed young person broke into the Covenant Christian School, shooting three, nine-year-old students and three faculty members. All six people died from their injuries. The shooter was shot dead by the police.

The resulting shock and grief turned to anger and protest. But the Tennessee House declined to pass gun control legislation. When protesters entered the House chambers, chanting for gun control laws, the Tennessee Three joined them. The Republicans of the House were angered by their actions which led to the expulsion hearing.

Now, Jones and Pearson have to run again for their jobs — if nonreinstated by the local council. Jones and Pearson vow to run and continue to speak out against gun violence. They will not back down on gun control legislation.

I wish them the best. They are the future of politics. We need to support Jones and Pearson. What was done to them can happen in other states on the local and state levels. This is not right. It is fascism and racism. The voices of marginalized people are being silenced. This is not American.

We are living in the end times. We must stop the division before it’s too late!