Circle of Elders: Why we stand with Reps. Johnson, Jones and Pearson | Letter

Correction: The signers of the letter go by the Circle of Elders. There were originally misidentified in the headline.

Editor's note: 26 signatories signed this letter in opposition to scheduled expulsion vote Thursday of three Democratic lawmakers from the Tennessee House of Representatives. Agree or disagree? Send your letter of 250 words of fewer to letters@tennessean.com.

We, members of the Circle of Elders strongly support the actions of Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson in the well of the Tennessee House on March 30, 2023.

This was a nonviolent direct action in the spirit of U.S. Rep. John Lewis to protest “business as usual” being conducted in the midst of outcries of pain from thousands of citizens, both adults and young people, who left their jobs and their schools to make their voices heard.

For a long time, Nashville has been a focus of gathering clouds, with legislation that limits the freedom of minority groups being passed in our Nashville, one of the very centers of the nonviolent movement of America.

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This gives Nashville, once again, the opportunity to participate in the important work of making our democracy better, to render respect, to uphold the dignity of all.

To listen, to hear, to speak. To prevent the perfect storm from forming and to build community. Beloved Community.

We have seen communications about expelling Gloria, Justin, and Justin from the House for this direct action. We raise our voices to oppose this action when listening, hearing, and speaking must continue.

More: Expelling these Tennessee lawmakers is an outrage; Cameron Sexton should show grace | Editorial

Signatories represent members of the Circle of Elders, which includes progressive activists, academics and locally elected officials.

Jane Felts Osgerby

Lynne McFarland

Francisco Garcia

Shaundelle Brooks

Ann Roberts

Ellen McPherson

Ken Edwards

Matt Steinhauer

Lenda Sherrell

Zulfat Suara

Keith Caldwell

Blondell Strong Kimbrough

Katie Cowley-Carpenter

Clarice Rankins

David Dark

Herb Stone

Jarrett Harper

John Owens

Mike White

Michelle Holt

Niyatii Sharan

P. Morgan Gordy

Ruth M. Reeves

Sheila Peters

Timothy Hughes

Vivian Ervin

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Circle of Elders stands with Reps. Johnson, Jones, Pearson | Letter