Some state lawmakers say Tennessee expulsions highlight growing tensions

Rep.-elect Julian Bond, center, who was refused a seat in the Georgia House, looks through his desk as two of his Fulton County colleagues, Reps. Jack Etheridge, left, and Charlie Brown raise their hands for the oath of office in Atlanta, Jan. 10, 1966. (Associated Press)

ATLANTA – A day after the Republican-dominated Tennessee House voted to expel two Black legislators for interrupting a floor session, Democrats next door in Georgia gathered on Zoom.

"This is not a time for us to shrink back," state Rep. Kim Schofield said. "This is a day of awakening. If you don't think it can happen in Georgia, you are sadly mistaken."