Memphis-Area Officials to Decide Fate of Expelled Black Lawmakers Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones

On Wednesday, the Memphis-area officials are set to meet to decide whether to reinstate Justin J. Pearson to the Tennessee Legislature. This comes after Pearson and fellow Democrat Justin Jones, both Black, were expelled last Thursday in unprecedented votes in the state House.

The expulsion of Pearson and Jones drew national attention to racial and political dynamics in the state’s legislative. On Monday evening, the Nashville Metro Council unanimously voted to return Jones to the state House in a 36–0 vote.

Only a handful of members have so far commented publicly about their support for Pearson and their intention to vote to return him to the Legislature. Democrats hold a 9-4 majority on the 13-seat board.

Pearson and Jones were expelled for participating in a peaceful gun protest from the floor of the chamber. The protest was in response to a bill that would allow people to carry guns without a permit.

The decision to reinstate Pearson and Jones is seen as a major victory for the Democratic party and a sign of progress in the fight for racial justice. It is also seen as a sign that the Republican-led House is willing to reconsider its decision to expel the two lawmakers.