Justin Pearson is an American politician and activist who has recently attracted media attention after being reinstated to office. He represents the 86th district in the Tennessee House of Representatives and was ousted from office along with another black Democrat, Justin Jones, for a violation of decency. He was elected to succeed Barbara Cooper in a special election on January 24, 2023.
Early life
Justin Pearson was born on January 7, 1995, in Memphis, Tennessee. His father, Jason Pearson, is a longtime minister and pastor, and his mother, Kimberly Owens Pearson, was a teacher. He grew up in Memphis with his four siblings. He is the fourth son of five sons. His family moved to Washington, DC, when he was just eleven years old. His father earned a master’s degree from Howard University. Four years later, they moved back to Memphis.
He attended Mitchell High School in Memphis and became an active part of the student council and expressing concern about poor facilities at his school. He graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, in 2017. Justin majored in Government and Law and minored in Education. He was a bright student. He was selected for the Mellon May Fellowship at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. The scholarship helps students to pursue higher education.
Justin Pearson career
Justin’s political career began in his high school when he advocated for adequate resources and facilities in his high school. In 2020, he co-founded the environmental advocacy group Memphis Community Against Pollution. The group played a major role in canceling the construction of the Byhalia Pipeline in Memphis. Another local group supported her for the cause. Construction of the Byhalia pipeline would have ruined the sandy aquifer that supplies water to Memphis. In 2022, Justin ran in the Democratic primary to succeed Barbara Cooper, who passed away in October 2022.
Rise to Fame
Pearson won the 10-way primary with 52.35% of the vote. His victory in the Democratic primary secures his election, as neither independents nor Republicans ran for the seat. Following his victory, Justin was unanimously appointed to the vacant post the next day. He was sworn in as an interim representative of the Memphis City Council. Justin proposed legislation to prevent the transfer of police officers with criminal records between departments.
In 2023, a mass shooting took place at the Convent School in Nashville, killing three nine-year-olds and three school staff. After the incident, Justin, Gloria Johnson, and Justin Jones joined a protest for gun control reform. The Tennessee House voted to expel the three members. Justin was ruled out by a vote of 69 to 26 and Jones by a vote of 72 to 25, while Johnson was spared. Justin was reinstated at the Tennessee House six days after his ouster. He was reappointed by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners by a unanimous vote.
Justin Pearson Biography | |
|---|---|
| Real name | Justin Jamal Pearson |
| birth date | January 7, 1995 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Place of birth | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Profession | Politician |
| University | Bowdoin College |
| qualification | graduate |
Physical Statistics | |
| Height | in feet, inches – 5′ 6” – in centimeters – 168 cm |
| Weight | in kilograms – 65kg – in pounds – 143 pounds |
| Hair color | Black |
| eye color | Black |
Justin Pearson Family | |
| Father | – |
| Mother | – |
| Sister | – |
| Brother | – |
relationship status | |
| Marital status | Committed |
| affair | NO |
| Who is Justin Pearson’s fiancé/girlfriend? | Oceana Gilliam |
Personal life
Justin is not yet married but is engaged to Oceana Gilliam. She works as a Senior Program Manager and is often seen supporting her fiancé through every step of his life. No details are available as to when they started dating. The couple devote themselves to social activities and try to change society.
controversy
In April 2023, Justin Pearson publicly protested gun violence. He wants to reform the gun laws. After the protest, the heads of state elected Pearson and another black colleague from the legislature. While another white protester was saved by just a few votes. This stimulated the debate about race and representation. The duo was then seated back in their seats. The whole political drama caught the media spotlight.
Justin Pearson Net Worth
Justin Pearson’s main source of income is his political career. He earns well. His estimated net worth is $3 million. He has the potential to become a great leader.
Facts About Justin Pearson
- Justin became the second youngest legislator in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
- Justin wore a dashiki, a traditional West African dress, as he was sworn in indoors.