JUSTICE FOR JUSTINS: The Tennessee Three ride together again

JUSTICE FOR JUSTINS: The Tennessee Three ride together again

If one makes a living writing political analysis, long periods can pass between writing positive, feel-good pieces. But today, the impressive Tennessee Three ride together again — and that is worth celebrating.

On Wednesday, local officials in Memphis voted unanimously to send Justin J. Pearson, one of two Black Democratic representatives reprehensibly expelled from the Tennessee House back to his same seat. The Legislature expelled the two men for peacefully joining students protesting gun reform but doing so from the House floor.

Now Pearson is back, Just two days after his colleague, Justin Jones, was reinstated.

Shelby County Commissioner Shante Avant praised Pearson’s courage:

“I want to commend you for standing up for the things that matter to the people of Shelby County and the state of Tennessee. You have done well by us in making sure that our voices can be heard.”

Pearson’s voice was not only “heard,” but respected throughout the country. Like his expelled colleague, Pearson presented himself with dignity, acted honorably, and spoke eloquently about the injustices thrown at what became known as the “Tennessee Three.”

The two expelled “Justins,” Pearson and Jones, amassed significant power through their strength and presentation. The Tennessee legislature made them marked men long before they were expelled.

Democrats mark them now as future leaders.

Every once in a while, we see a person meet their moment. That unique opportunity when deeply ingrained values and gifts gain enough attention that there is no going back to obscure anonymity anymore.

One can easily envision “Congressman Pearson” or Jones. Perhaps “Secretary Jones” or Pearson. Jones bravely announced his return with some thunder:

He also addressed the unanimous vote with the expected poetic message:

“We’ve got people that we have an allegiance to, who are willing to march for justice, who are willing to fight for justice, who are willing to vote for justice, and it is that spirit which I will head back to Nashville with.

“You can’t expel hope. You can’t expel justice.”

His message is as encouraging as expected. Exactly what a young politician needs to demand and earn an unlimited future.

Justice came quickly back to the Justins. Both returned to the Statehouse just one week after their devastating expulsion. They reunited with Rep. Gloria Johnson, thus the Tennessee three ride together again, looking to restrict further gunfights.

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Jason Miciak

Jason Miciak is an associate editor and opinion writer for Occupy Democrats. He's a Canadian-American who grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He is a trained attorney, but for the last five years, he's devoted his time to writing political news and analysis. He enjoys life on the Gulf Coast as a single dad to a 15-year-old daughter. Hobbies include flower pots, cooking, and doing what his daughter tells him they're doing. Sign up to get all of my posts by email right here: