Alarge political rally Friday night showcased State Rep. Justin J. Pearson’s rising national stardom and his deep base of support in Memphis. The rally drew about 1,200 people to New Direction Christian Church in Hickory Hill. Progressive Democrats from across the country turned out in force for Pearson, who they hope will beat back a last-minute attempt by state Republicans to flip the 9th Congressional District red by splitting it into thirds. Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley and Summer Lee took the stage to endorse Pearson. “It seems very clear to me that the people turning back the clock on our…
Author: Katherine Burgess
Tennessee Republicans Leave Dark Stain on the History of Tennessee The Republican-led Tennessee General Assembly redrew lines for congressional districts this week, splitting Memphis into three districts and leaving residents unaware of which district they now live in. The act effectively dilutes the vote of Black Memphians by splitting District 9 into three new districts. They stretch from the city into rural areas and, in two cases, all the way to the outskirts of Nashville. In several cases, neighbors living on the same street have been placed in different congressional districts. Republicans said the goal of the redistricting effort was to…