Watch again: Justin Pearson returns to Tennessee House after gun control protest
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Watch again as Democratic representative Justin Pearson returned to the Tennessee House of Representatives along with another young Black colleague after leading a gun control protest on the chamber floor.
Mr Pearson, 29, was reinstated in his seat after a unanimous vote from seven members of the Shelby County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, 12 April.
Before the vote, hundreds of supporters marched Mr Pearson through Memphis to the meeting, chanting and cheering before entering the commission chambers.
Last Thursday, the House voted to remove Mr Pearson representative Justin Jones but keep white representative Gloria Johnson - who survived by one vote - drawing accusations of racism.
The Republican leadership has denied that race was a factor in the vote.
Mr Pearson and Mr Jones were expelled from the House over their role in a protest on the House floor following a mass shooting at the Covenant School in which six people, including three nine-year-old children, were killed.
On Monday, Mr Jones was restored to office and reinstated to his House seat in a unanimous decision by the Nashville Metropolitan Council.
Click here to sign up for our newsletters.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments