"You Went Too Far": Grief Should Never Be Mocked
What Rep. Justin Pearson’s confrontation teaches us about dignity, rage, and righteous resistance
There are lines that shouldn’t be crossed — even in politics.
When Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson stood in session to mourn the tragic suicide of his brother, he wasn’t just making a speech. He was grieving, publicly, through unimaginable pain. He was doing what Black men are so rarely allowed to do in America: be vulnerable without shame.
And still, one of his colleagues chose to mock him.
On the floor. In front of witnesses. In full view of the public.
“You went too far.”
Those are the words Rep. Pearson used to confront the lawmaker who laughed as he grieved. And they’re the words that echo far beyond Tennessee.
Because we know what it’s like to be told we’re too emotional.
Too loud. Too disruptive. Too much.
But we are not too much. We are not enough when we stay silent.
We Covered This Story Because It’s Bigger Than One Moment
This wasn’t just about political disrespect — it was about the deep, ongoing dismissal of Black grief, especially when expressed in public or institutional spaces. BWST published this story because we believe in holding space for our leaders’ humanity, especially when others try to erase it.
Pearson’s confrontation was not unprofessional. It was prophetic.
It was Black, dignified rage with its collar buttoned up and its voice unwavering.
Read the Full Story →
Why This Story Matters:
It reminds us that Black men deserve safe spaces to grieve — even in the halls of power.
It shines a light on the constant tension between dignity and disrespect in American politics.
It shows that empathy should be non-negotiable, regardless of political party.
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Because when one of us is mocked for grieving, we all have to speak up.
The lawmaker who mocked our Rep. Pearson is nothing but a tiny little man. We love Pearson and stand by him through his grief. He is a true leader with a heart of gold!
Evil cowards pick on grieving people.