A new Tennessee lawmaker walks into the capitol wearing a dashiki. House GOP suggests he explore...

Tennessee’s newest lawmaker was sworn in Thursday. Democratic Rep. Justin J. Pearson is filling a vacancy left in House District 86 in Memphis. But people were more focused on what Pearson was wearing.

Pearson, a Black man, wore his hair in a combed-out afro as he walked onto the House floor wearing a black dashiki. The loose-fitting pullover is associated with West African culture and a symbol of Black pride.

“This dress is resistance. This afro is resistance. What we are doing here is subversive to the status quo, and I think that’s going to continue to make people uncomfortable,” said Pearson.

And Pearson’s attire did make Rep. David Hawk, R-Greenville, uncomfortable. Hawk, in remarks on the floor, made a dig at Pearson, as he recounted a time he wasn’t allowed on the floor by former Tennessee House Speaker Lois DeBerry.