Tennessee state lawmaker Justin Pearson came to Olean’s Cafe in Tallahassee with something to say — and left with grits.
The Memphis Democrat drew the national spotlight as one of the “ Tennessee Three ,” expelled from his seat by legislative Republicans for participating in a gun-control protest on the state House floor.
Pearson has since been reelected to his seat , and he’s currently stumping for Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign.
After chatting Friday morning with patrons and workers at Olean’s Cafe, which is right beside the historically Black Florida A&M University, he took questions from reporters, who made up only a small portion of those crowding the local landmark.
“Tallahassee is integral to the future of Democratic politics and to the future of Florida and our country,” he said, explaining his reason for coming to the capital city. “Being able to come here in Tallahassee, where we have so many people who are motivated, who are engaged and who are ready to see a difference be made in our country is so imperative.”