Scandals
Fisk University is a historically Black college located in Nashville, Tennessee. Around 500 people crowded the chapel and sang This Little Light of Mine, while they waited for Kamala Harris, the US vice-president, to arrive. The crowd erupted with cheers when she appeared.
Harris and her listeners were there to show support for her fellow Democrats and state lawmakers Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson – Jones and Pearson were ousted from the Republican-controlled Tennessee house of representatives after joining a protest in favor of gun control at the capitol in Nashville, and Johnson narrowly survived an expulsion vote.
“We are here because…” [Jones, Pearson and Johnson] Harris said that Harris and their Democratic caucus colleagues chose to show courage when faced with extreme tragedy.” Harris was referring to the fact that the targeted representatives stood with gun rights advocates following the murders of three students at Covenant elementary school in Nashville, 27 March. “They chose leadership and courage and said that democracy allows places where the people’s voice can be heard, honored, and respected.”
Vice-President stated that they added another chapter to the vibrant local history of civil right activism that had previously seen sit-ins at segregated lunch counters under the leadership of John Lewis, a US congressman, and Diane Nash. He said it was because of their “broad shoulders upon whom we all stand”.
Harris’s visit was the culmination of a dramatic week for the “Tennessee Three”, the group who were expelled after speaking without being allowed to speak by Cameron Sexton, Republican house speaker. Johnson, Jones, and Pearson claimed they spoke out because Capitol staff had turned off their microphones when they tried to bring up gun regulation and gun control in response to the shooting deaths of Covenant.
Jones and Pearson led protesters’ chants in support of their proposed measures using a bullhorn, while Johnson stood silently by them in solidarity.
Their colleagues then prepared papers to expel them from the seats they had democratically been elected to. Votes on Thursday saw Pearson and Jones, two Black men and the youngest members of the house, be ousted. Johnson, a white woman aged 60, was able to retain her seat by one vote.
Harris was outraged, saying, “A democracy says that you don’t silence the people, that you don’t stifle them, and that you don’t turn off their microphones when the people are speaking.” Harris said, outraged, “These leaders had the courage to use a bullhorn to be heard.”
Even in today’s highly divided political climate, such expulsions are rare. They are usually used against lawmakers who are accused of misconduct that is more serious than a breach of decorum. The body had expelled a lawmaker who was accused of spending federal nursing school grant money for a wedding, and another who allegedly had inappropriate sexual contact with more 20 women during his four-year tenure. The state legislature decided not to expel a Republican representative who was accused of sexual misconduct in 2019.
The county commissions in Pearson and Jones’ districts are now preparing to select someone to fill the vacant seats until special election can be held. Jones and Pearson are still eligible to run for those special elections. However, the county commissions could appoint someone to fill the seats until then. The commissions may be under pressure to find interim replacements.
Jones and Pearson’s expulsions gave both men important national platforms. Joe Biden also met with Harris and Johnson virtually. The president tweeted a picture of the meeting and said: “Our country must take action against gun violence – we need more voices like theirs to speak out.”
The chapel was open to the vice-president’s statements and responded with affirmations similar to those used in Black churches.
She stated that “some things are up for partisan discussion.” “Sure. “Sure.
“Facts!” shouted someone from one of the pews.
Harris said, “Assault weapons… are weapons of war.” These weapons are made to kill many people quickly. They are not allowed on the streets of civil societies.
The crowd moved with murmurs of “amen” and “I know it’s right”,
Fisk students dressed in bright pink-and green attire and pearls lined the aisles of Fisk’s chapel. This was to signify their affiliation with Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harris’ sorority. Kayla Willis, one of the students, said to the Guardian that it was an honor to see their legacy as a sorority, and also as a Black-founded organisation to be at the forefront, especially in this political climate.
Willis, a senior in political science and Spanish, said she was deeply disappointed by the expulsion of Jones and Pearson. Despite this, Harris’s appearance, the turnout and speeches by local activists and officials lifted her spirits.
Like Pearson, Torrey Harris, a state representative from Tennessee who is a Black Democrat, was also affected. After the expulsions that targeted two men he called “brothers” or “grown to love”, he noted that he was the youngest member of the legislature.
Harris stated that he was certain that Pearson and Jones were expelled because of their race. Johnson’s outcome was better.
Harris stated, “We must be honest and transparent about the fact that race plays an important part in a lot decision-making that takes place not only in this state but also in other states.” Harris stated, “To cut off someone else’s belief in their ability to fight for their citizens is wrong.” We live in a democracy-based country, and I hope we will one day return to that.
