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A video captures an incident of Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, a member of the Republican party from Crossville, appearing to engage in a physical altercation with State Representative Justin Pearson, a Democrat from Memphis. The incident occurred on Tuesday, shortly after the conclusion of a special legislative session.

State Rep. Justin Pearson and his esteemed colleague Rep. Justin Jones can be seen at the bottom of the House Speaker’s dais with signs advocating for their constituents against gun violence.

What House Speaker Cameron Sexton Did

In the video you can clearly see Speaker Sexton shoving his right shoulder into Rep. Person’s chest.

The incident escalated when Sexton turned toward Pearson, pointing at Pearson and his security detail surrounding the speaker.

Before the incident unfolded Representative Justin Jones (D-Nashville) rallied for a vote of no confidence, targeting the speaker’s position.

However, as the speaker promptly adjourned proceedings, precluding the intended vote, tumult unfurled both on the assembly floor and in the gallery, punctuated by discernible voices clamoring to “vote him out”, which can be heard in the video.

State Rep. Justin Jone’s Vote of No Confidence Filing

tennessee house speaker cameron sexton

In the video, the House Speaker can visibly be seen aggressively shoving his right shoulder into Rep. Pearson, with plenty of room to walk past the Black Representative.

“White supremacist speaker Cameron Sexton violently shoved me today while I held my ‘Protect Kids, Not Guns!’ I’m infuriated by his actions but more infuriated by the inaction of the Tennessee House GOP to pass a single bill to prevent gun violence,” the State Rep. said. He then adds, “This is how democracy dies. We must rise.”

White Political Violence Weakens the Democratic Process

White political violence in America holds significance due to its historical context, societal implications, and impact on democracy and social cohesion. Several key factors contribute to the significance of this issue:

  1. Historical Context: White political violence in America has roots in a long history of racial discrimination, systemic racism, and white supremacy. From the Ku Klux Klan’s terrorizing activities during the Reconstruction era to more recent instances of racially motivated violence, such as the Charleston church shooting, these acts are part of a historical continuum that reflects deep-seated racial tensions.
  2. Symbol of Inequality: White political violence often targets marginalized communities, perpetuating a sense of fear and inequality. Such violence reinforces the notion that certain groups hold power and control over others, exacerbating existing divisions and disparities. This can lead to a lack of trust in institutions and a feeling of disenfranchisement among minority populations.
  3. Threat to Democracy: Political violence, regardless of its source, poses a threat to the democratic principles that underpin American society. When violence becomes a means of political expression, it undermines the foundations of civil discourse, compromise, and peaceful resolution of differences. It can deter individuals from engaging in the political process due to safety concerns.
  4. Media and Perception: Acts of White political violence often garner extensive media coverage, which can influence public perception and reinforce stereotypes. Media coverage shapes how people perceive these incidents and can contribute to the stigmatization of specific groups or communities, further deepening societal divisions.
  5. National Security Concerns: Acts of political violence can have broader national security implications. When violence is politically motivated and driven by extremist ideologies, it can raise concerns about domestic terrorism and the potential for broader radicalization. Law enforcement agencies and policymakers must address these concerns to maintain public safety.
  6. Impact on Social Cohesion: A society fractured by political violence struggles to maintain social cohesion. Trust in institutions, fellow citizens, and the government can erode, making it challenging to foster a sense of national unity. Social fragmentation can hinder progress on important issues and impede effective governance.
  7. International Perspective: White political violence can influence how the United States is perceived on the global stage. It raises questions about the country’s commitment to human rights, equality, and democratic values. Such incidents can be exploited by geopolitical rivals to criticize American governance and sow discord.
  8. Calls for Change: Incidents of white political violence often trigger discussions about the need for policy changes, law enforcement reforms, and improved social cohesion. These events can serve as catalysts for broader conversations about systemic racism, gun control, and hate crime legislation.

In conclusion, White political violence, such as a simple but aggressive shove from Tennessee State House Speaker Cameron Sexton against State Representative Justice Pearson, the recent bomb threats to Tulsa, Oklahoma schools for making available books that Conservatives are banning, and the January 6th Insurrection in America is significant because it reflects historical injustices, threatens democracy, exacerbates social divisions, and raises broader societal and security concerns.

Nehemiah D. Frank is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Black Wall Street Times and a descendant of two families that survived the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Although his publication’s store and newsroom...