Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) ignited a firestorm of controversy with her commencement speech at Tougaloo College. In her address, she seemingly advised the new graduates to be prepared to "use a chair" in response to adversaries who say they "don't belong." Delivered against the backdrop of a racially charged brawl in Montgomery, Alabama, earlier in 2023, Crockett's comments have raised eyebrows and incited discussion on the tone and implications of her language.
Crockett's speech, available on her YouTube channel, draws a parallel between the graduates' potential future challenges and the Montgomery incident, where folding chairs were infamously used as weapons. “There are going to be people that tell you that you don’t belong, and I am here to tell you over and over and over that you absolutely belong,” she affirmed, setting a combative tone. She further alluded to the altercation, “There are people that are gonna tell you that there is not a table in which there is a seat for you, but I am here to remind you of Montgomery and those folding chairs.”
The congresswoman's rhetoric intensified as she mentioned chair usage, stating, “Let me tell you that we know how to use a chair, whether we’re pulling it up or we’re doing something else with it.” The reference to the Montgomery brawl, where a clash ensued between white boaters and black men, including a dock worker, has since become a symbol of racial tension and defiance, particularly after images of the incident circulated online.
Crockett, who has recently risen to prominence within the Democratic Party, especially after a heated exchange with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) during a House Oversight Committee hearing, seems to advocate for an activist mindset, urging graduates to be ready to "put your boots on the ground" in the face of perceived injustice.
Her bold approach in congressional hearings, often marked by profanity and racially charged commentary, has set a new tone for some within her party. Crockett's confrontational style, termed by some as "dark woke," appears to resonate with a segment of Democrats who are increasingly adopting similar rhetoric. Her comment during the speech equating the term "DEI hire" with racial slurs further underscores her stance on racism and political language.
While Crockett's supporters may see her as a fearless voice against racial injustice, her critics have highlighted her divisive language and tactics. The reference to the Texas Governor as "Governor Hot Wheels," a jab at his disability, drew significant backlash and raised questions about the appropriateness of such remarks in political discourse.
Crockett's speech at Tougaloo College reflects a broader trend in political communication where incendiary language and symbolism are leveraged to galvanize support and highlight societal issues. As the debate over her comments continues, it remains to be seen how this style of rhetoric will influence the political landscape and public discourse.