‘Let my people go’: Tennessee lawmaker calls for Memphis to secede

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC/Gray News) - A Tennessee lawmaker is calling on the city of Memphis to secede from the rest of the state.

Tennessee State Representative Antonio Parkinson (D-Memphis) called for secession following the passage of a bill on May 7 that will split Memphis into three separate districts and will likely ensure no Democratic representation in the state.

“This is no longer simply about maps,” said Rep. Parkinson. “This is about whether Memphis — a majority-Black economic engine for this state — is expected to continue contributing billions in tax revenue, culture, labor, and commerce while being systematically stripped of political power."

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Protestors flocked to the Tennessee State Capitol while the bill was voted on, a special session called by the governor to redistrict after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strip a key part of the 1965 Civil Rights Act. That portion of the bill protected against gerrymandering.

“If this legislature no longer believes the people of Memphis deserve the ability to choose a representative who reflects their community, then at least have the courage to say it plainly,” Parkinson said. “Do not hide behind maps and procedure. Let Memphis secede from the State of Tennessee. And I’m dead serious. Let my people go.”