When Protest Silences Democracy | Nashville News

KeShaun Pearson, brother of Rep. Justin Pearson, was arrested during Tennessee’s redistricting session—just days after a Supreme Court ruling reshaped voting rights—amid GOP efforts to dismantle the state’s lone Democratic-majority district. A fierce critic of the gerrymandering, Pearson was later joined by fellow Democrats in being stripped of committee roles, accused of inciting disruption. His story, featured in the new book “Protest: Respect It. Defend It. Use It.” by Annie Leonard and André Carothers, recounts his 2023 expulsion from the legislature for floor protests—later reinstated—alongside Rep. Justin Jones, while Gloria Johnson narrowly avoided expulsion. The authors argue Pearson’s voice is vital: his experience in Memphis mirrors a nationwide erosion of protest rights, urging global audiences to reclaim nonviolent dissent as democracy’s heartbeat. When free speech is under threat, they insist, speaking up is the only defense. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/264f74ce54619540