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OP-ED: The Tennessee Three: A Page Out of the Playbook of History

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Representatives Justin Pearson (D-Memphis), Justin Jones (D-Nashville), and Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) took to the Tennessee House floor to stand in solidarity with school and community activists protesting legislative inaction on guns after the tragic mass shooting at a Christian school in Nashville. Instead of focusing on how to protect innocent children from gun violence, Tennessee Republicans mobilized to remove those who had the audacity to step forward and demand a change.
The post OP-ED: The Tennessee Three: A Page Out of the Playbook of History first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

April 13, 2023

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By Congressman James E. Clyburn, Special to the NNPA

The Tennessee General Assembly’s expulsion of two African American lawmakers duly elected by their constituents, while sparing a third who happened not to be African American, signifies a dangerous subversion of our representative democracy, the most precious thing we have in this country. With this action, Tennessee Republicans attempted to silence the voices of nearly 140,000 voters who chose these two lawmakers to make informed legislative decisions on their behalf.

Representatives Justin Pearson (D-Memphis), Justin Jones (D-Nashville), and Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) took to the Tennessee House floor to stand in solidarity with school and community activists protesting legislative inaction on guns after the tragic mass shooting at a Christian school in Nashville. Instead of focusing on how to protect innocent children from gun violence, Tennessee Republicans mobilized to remove those who had the audacity to step forward and demand a change.

Just before the vote to remove Representative Pearson, Tennessee House Representative Andrew Farmer (R-Sevierville) chided him on the floor of the General Assembly, saying: “That’s why you’re standing there—for that temper tantrum that day. For that yearning to have attention. That’s what you wanted. Well, you’re getting it now.”

When I heard this rant by Representative Farmer, the author of one of the resolutions for removal, I thought of my own experiences in South Carolina. His coded and condescending lecture was not unlike those I heard as a 20-year-old protester in the 1960s. Those of us who marched and were arrested for demanding equal opportunity and fair treatment under the law know what it is like to be subjected to such disrespect.

The actions of Tennessee Republicans are reminiscent of those of Southern white officials during and post-Reconstruction. I also thought about lessons I learned as a student and former teacher of history. Philosopher George Santayana once wrote, “Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.”

The ending of the Civil War and establishment of the Reconstruction era in 1865 precipitated honest and honorable attempts to include African Americans in the political process.

However, there were resisters, and Tennessee led the way then as it seems to be doing again. The Ku Klux Klan was founded in Tennessee in 1865 and in the same year, Mississippi and South Carolina enacted “Black Codes,” a series of laws designed to restrict the social, economic, and political autonomy of African Americans. Just one decade later in 1875, “Red Shirts” ran rampant across the South, intimidating and assassinating Black leaders and suppressing Black voters’ access to the ballot box. And in 1877, Republican President Rutherford B. Hayes removed all troops from the South and left Black citizens up to the creative devices of Jim Crow laws and practices.

Long before the massacres of Tulsa (Oklahoma) and Rosewood (Florida) were the massacres of Memphis and Pulaski. Google the “Original 33” and discover how 33 African American men got duly elected to the Georgia legislature in 1868 and were subsequently expelled. People protested and at least 12 of those who protested were killed. Dozens more were injured. The tragedy would later become known as the Camilla massacre.

Tragically, violent voter suppression ultimately succeeded in ending democracy in the South for decades. Black Codes, the Ku Klux Klan, the Red Shirts and their ally, the 19^th President of the United States, ushered in a wave of new post-Reconstruction state constitutions that eliminated any meaningful African American political participation until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

This ugly history is what the Tennessee General Assembly has chosen to honor with the removal of Representatives Pearson and Jones. By failing to be vigilant and exercise diligence, the Tennessee state legislature has set us on a path toward reliving chapters of our not-so-pleasant history. For the sake of our democracy, we must learn from the lessons of our past and do everything we can to support the Tennessee Three.

The post OP-ED: The Tennessee Three: A Page Out of the Playbook of History first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org