The state of African American political power in Tennessee

For many outside of the state, the swift expulsions of state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin J. Pearson from the Tennessee General Assembly were a shocking display of power by the state’s Republican supermajority. But for longtime observers, this was a continuation of patterns that have persisted over recent decades, as African Americans in the state have seen their political influence diminished. In this episode, we explore the shifting electoral and political landscape that has challenged African American political power in Tennessee, and what efforts are underway to reverse this trend. But first, WPLN criminal justice reporter Paige Pfleger gives a preview of the gun dispossession law that will be considered in the General Assembly's special session. Guests: Sekou Franklin, professor of political science at Middle Tennessee State University and co-author of Losing Power: African Americans and Racial Polarization in Tennessee Politics Rep. Vincent Dixie, state representative, District 54 Jimmie Garland, vice president of Middle TN, Tennessee State Conference of the NAACP; president of Clarksville branch of the NAACP Related reading: WPLN: Black leaders call out hypocrisy and racism after vote to expel Jones and Pearson from Tennessee House WPLN: The nation reacts to the Tennessee legislature’s expulsion of 2 Black lawmakers Sekou Franklin: 50 Reasons Why Tennessee Matters in the Long Haul Struggle for Democracy Capital B News: Ousted Tennessee Democrats Are Returning to the House, but the State's Problems Run Deeper Washington Post: Black voting rights under threat in GOP supermajority states, lawmakers say Black voting rights under threat in GOP supermajority states, lawmakers say Politico: No One Should Be That Shocked by What’s Happening in Tennessee