Rep. Jasmine Crockett Addresses Students at Tougaloo University

Jasmine Crockett, a Texas Democrat, kicked off an event at Tougaloo University in Jackson, Mississippi, where she emphasized resilience in the face of challenges. She used a metaphor about “using a chair” to illustrate her point.

Tougaloo College is a private historic black university located in the Jackson area.

“There are those who claim there are no opportunities for us, but I want to remind you of Montgomery and those folding chairs. We know how to use them—either lift them up or find another way,” Crockett asserted.

Crockett’s comments seemed to refer to a viral video from August 2023, where a folding chair became a symbol of resistance when a black riverboat captain defended himself during a confrontation.

She also recalled the bystanders featured in that video, but soon shifted her focus to criticize former President Donald Trump.

“You have a lot to say about running the country. Each time you mention my name, it reveals your fear of intelligent and bold black women who speak the truth and hold you accountable.”

On Sunday, Trump described Crockett as having a “low IQ” during an NBC interview, implying a lack of respect for her statements.

Earlier this year, Crockett faced backlash after laughing at remarks made by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.