On MSNBC’s “The ReidOut,” Justin Jones, a Tennessee state lawmaker who was expelled from his House seat on Thursday, spoke out about a member of the House who allegedly called him an “uppity Negro.”
Jones said that despite the world watching, there was still “disdain” and “arrogance” in the House. He believes that his expulsion was an assault on democracy, not just on him, but on the 78,000 people he represents.
Jones’ district is known for its diversity, and he feels that the House’s actions are an attempt to silence that diversity. He stated that members of the House feel that he should be grateful to be there, but it’s the people in his district who put him there, not the House.
Anchor Joy Reid mentioned that another member of the House had allegedly called Jones a disgrace and had also used the term “uppity” in reference to him. Jones confirmed this, saying that the House is a hostile environment that is hostile to democracy. He noted that he had led protests and had been arrested 14 times trying to remove a KKK statue from the building.
