Justin Pearson is an American politician and activist who recently gained media attention after he’s been reinstated to his position. He represents the 86th district in the Tennessee House of Representatives and he along with another Black Democrat Justin Jones was ruled out of their position due to a breach of decorum. He was elected on January 24, 2023, in a special election to succeed Barbara Cooper.
Early Life
Justin Pearson was born on January 7, 1995, in Memphis Tennessee. His father Jason Pearson is a long-time minister and pastor and his mother Kimberly Owens Pearson worked as a teacher. He was raised in Memphis along with his four siblings. He is the fourth boy of five sons. His family relocated to Washington D.C. when he was just eleven years old. His father did a master’s degree at Howard University. They moved back to Memphis four years later.
He went to Mitchell High School, in Memphis and became an active part of student government and raised his concern against poor facilities in his school. He graduated from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine in 2017. Justin did his major in Government and legal studies and minored in Education studies. He was a bright student. He was selected at the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs under the Mellon May Fellowship. The fellowship helps students pursue higher education.
Justin Pearson Career
Justin’s political career started in his high school when he advocated for proper funds and facilities in his high school. In 2020 he co-founded the environmental advocacy group ‘Memphis Community Against Pollution’. The group had a major role in canceling the construction of the Byhalia Pipeline in Memphis. One more local group supported them for the cause. The Byhalia Pipeline construction would have ruined the sand aquifer, which provides water in 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-person primary election with 52.35% of the vote. His win in the Democratic primary ensures his election as no Independents or Republicans filed for the seat. After his victory, Justin was unanimously appointed into the vacant office the next day. He swore in as the interim representative by the Memphis City Council. Justin proposed a bill to prevent the transfer of police officers with criminal records across departments.
In 2023 a mass shooting took place in Convent School that killed 3 nine-year-olds and three employees at the school in Nashville. Following 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 expelled by a vote of 69-26 and Jones was expelled by a 72-25 vote whereas Johnson was spared. Justin was reappointed to the Tennessee House following after six days after his expulsion. He was reappointed by the Shelby County Board of Commissioners following a unanimous vote.
Justin Pearson Biography |
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| Real Name | Justin Jamal Pearson |
| Birth Date | 7 January 1995 |
| Age (as of 2023) | 28 Years |
| Birth Place | Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Profession | Politician |
| College | Bowdoin College |
| Qualification | Graduate |
Physical Statistics |
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| Height | in feet inches – 5’ 6” – in Centimeters – 168 cm |
| Weight | in Kilograms – 65 kg – in Pounds – 143 lbs |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
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Family |
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| Father | – |
| Mother | – |
| Sister | – |
| Brother | – |
Relationship Status |
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| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Affair | No |
| Who is his fiancee/girlfriend? | Oceana Gilliam |
Personal Life
Justin isn’t married yet but he is engaged to Oceana Gilliam. She works as a senior program manager and is quite often spotted supporting her fiancé at every step of his life. There are no details available regarding when they started dating. The couple is indulged in social activities and tries to bring change in society.
Controversy
In April 2023, Justin Pearson protested against gun violence in public. He seeks reform in the gun control act. Following the protest, the state leaders voted Pearson and another fellow black colleague out of the legislature. Whereas another white protestor was saved just by a few votes. This stirred the debate on race and representation. The duo was then again reinstated to their seats. The whole political drama caught the media’s spotlight.
Justin Pearson Net Worth
Justin Pearson’s primary source of income is his political career. He earns a good amount of money. His estimated net worth is $3 million. He has the potential to be a great leader.
Trivia
- Justin became the II youngest lawmaker serving in the Tennessee House of Representatives.
- Justin wore a Dashiki, a traditional West African dress while being sworn into the house.
