Black resistance is an integral part of US history. Black people have an extensive history of fighting against systems of white supremacy. Representative Al Green continued this legacy at President Trump’s address to Congress.
Representative George Latimer called this protest “inappropriate,” illustrating two concerning trends for Democrats: a lack of willingness to fight for justice in a meaningful way and using decorum to suppress valid dissent against an increasingly authoritarian regime.
“When a president—my president, your president—is speaking, we don’t interrupt, we don’t pull those stunts,” Latimer told Axios. Referring to Green’s act of resistance as a “stunt” is trivializing at best and dangerous at worst. Latimer recommends that lawmakers sit in quiet reverence to someone threatening democracy rather than use their platform to hold those in power accountable.
This is not about respecting the presidency; it’s about refusing to place decorum over the lives of humans. Green’s interruption wasn’t a “stunt” but a demand for answers on policies that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. A white congressman chastising a Black colleague for protesting policies that harm communities of color represents a long history of silencing dissenting voices from underrepresented groups. Black folks know all too well that calling for civility is a way to silence people of color, maintain the status quo that excludes us, and dismiss necessary demands for justice.
Throughout history, all forms of disruptive actions were deemed “inappropriate” at that time. Without these forms of protests, we would not have had the Civil Rights Movement, gotten women the right to vote, or won the five-day work week. Disruptions have always been pivotal to changing unjust systems.
Al Green’s actions remind me of the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:23-26). These men were asked to kneel before a King’s golden idol but refused; subsequently, being thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment. Their defiance was not about being “disrespectful to the president” but about standing firm in their convictions against an unjust command. Similarly, Representative Green’s refusal to kneel to oppressive policies parallels this act of faith and courage—electing to brave the fire rather than negotiate on what is right.
Democracy is under threat, and Democrats can not afford any more passivity. The party needs fighters. The party needs leaders who are willing to stand up against the face oppression and actively disrupt the injustices going on. This time calls for leaders who dare to resist, not those who shrink in the name of politeness and formalities. In the pursuit of a more equitable society, true civility lies not in the absence of disruption but in the presence of justice.
About the author: Dr. haley pilgrim is a sociologist, corporate strategist, and activist. A Ph.D. graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, she has deep expertise in inequality and intersectionality. She is currently a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon’s Charter Review Commission, and the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus. With a track record of driving change across sectors, dr. pilgrim is dedicated to advancing equity, transparency, and strong governance.
I applaud Representative Al Green for standing and calling out the evil face of fascism and dictatorship of the current U.S. president (I refuse to say his name, because he and his fellow white supremacists make my blood boil) The only two voice’s we hear from in the Democratic Party are Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Where are the men? Cory Booker and Hakeem Jefferies have been silent. This is not the time to be passive, when our democracy is under attack, and the federal, programs, grants, funding, jobs, research, are being taken away and completely dismantled. As far as Rep. Latimer is concerned, he is another another “Republican” fronting as a Democrat. Just like the ten Democrats who voted to censure Rep. Al Green instead of standing with him. He wants to talk about decorum but, meanwhile ignore how uncouth 47 to everyone. Miss us with that. The Democratic Party needs new leadership, and it looks like it might just be the fearless two women Crockett or Ocasio-Cortez to take on that position.