Expelled black politician Justin Pearson reinstated to Tennessee legislature

Justin Pearson arrives at the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., before marching to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, where it is expected Pearson will be reinstated to his position in the Tennessee House. (Chris Day /The Commercial Appeal via AP)

One of two black Democrats expelled from the Republican-led Tennessee House of Representatives will return to the legislature after a Memphis commission voted to reinstate him.

The move came nearly a week after Justin Pearson’s banishment for supporting gun control protesters propelled him into the national spotlight.