Congressman Jonathan Jackson Delivers Powerful Remarks, Co-Chairs CBC Special Order Hour on Expulsion of Black Lawmakers in Tennessee

Last night, Congressman Jonathan Jackson delivered a moving speech condemning the expulsion of two Black Democratic Caucus members, Representative Justin Jones and Representative Justin Pearson, from the Tennessee State Legislature.

Congressman Jackson stated, "It is both disheartening and infuriating that, even after more than 150 years since the end of the Civil War, we continue to grapple with the same injustices that have plagued our nation since its inception."

In his impassioned address, Congressman Jackson drew attention to the long history of racism and discrimination faced by Black lawmakers in the United States. He recounted the stories of the "Original 33," a group of 33 Black legislators who were expelled from the Georgia General Assembly in 1868, as well as Julian Bond, a civil rights leader whose initial election to the Georgia House of Representatives was met with resistance in 1966. Congressman Jackson also highlighted the case of John Willis Menard, the first Black man elected to the House of Representatives in 1869, who was denied his rightful seat by Congress.

The CBC Special Order Hour, co-chaired by Congressman Jackson and Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick, provided a platform for CBC members to discuss the expulsion of Black lawmakers in Tennessee and reflect on the historical context surrounding these events.

Watch Congressman Jackson’s remarks here.