Rep. Justin J. Pearson: Common Ground Without Compromising Your Values | At Our Table

Representative Justin J. Pearson joins At Our Table for a conversation about power, principle, and what meaningful political leadership looks like when trust in American institutions is breaking down.

Pearson reflects on growing up in Memphis, finding his voice as an organizer at 15, fighting an oil pipeline through South Memphis, and moving from activism into elected office. He talks about his expulsion from the Tennessee House following protests for gun reform, why he believes elected officials must show people they are willing to fight, and how Democrats should find common ground without compromising their values. (00:00) Common Ground Without Compromise (01:00) Meet Representative Justin J.

Pearson (03:00) Growing Up in Memphis (09:00) Finding His Voice at 15 (12:00) From Activism to Elected Office (16:00) Can Outsiders Actually Govern? (17:00) Common Ground Without Compromising Values (22:00) Fighting the “Path of Least Resistance” (25:00) Expelled From the Tennessee House (29:00) The Fight Against Data Centers (33:00) Running in a Trump +21 District (36:00) Answering the “Too Radical” Attacks (38:00) Walking Back Into the Tennessee House (41:00) Power, Democracy and What Gives Him Hope (45:00) The Sit Your Ass Down Award (46:00) Memphis, Music and Rapid Fire (49:00) A Message to the Next Generation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit