Congresswoman’s Comment at HBCU Graduation Stirs Controversy for Alleged Reference to 2023 Montgomery Brawl
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) delivered a fiery commencement address at Tougaloo College in Mississippi on Sunday, but it’s her choice of words—rather than words of wisdom—that is drawing widespread scrutiny.
Speaking to the graduating class of the historically black college, Crockett appeared to reference a violent 2023 incident in Montgomery, Alabama, where a folding chair was used during a racially charged brawl on a boat dock.
“There are people that are gonna tell you that there is not a table in which there is a seat for you,” Crockett said. “But I am here to remind you of Montgomery and those folding chairs. 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.”
Her comments, delivered in a tone of defiance, were received by some in the crowd with cheers—but by others, with alarm.
A Troubling Message?
Critics say Crockett’s reference to “doing something else” with a chair—followed by the invocation of the Montgomery incident—was an unmistakable nod to violence.
The incident she seemingly referenced involved a black dock worker being attacked by a group of white boaters, which escalated into a chaotic fight. A viral video from that day captured one man using a folding chair to strike others, an image that sparked both internet memes and polarized reactions across the nation.
While Crockett stopped short of explicitly advocating violence, the suggestive language and historical reference were clear enough for commentators and news outlets to accuse her of promoting hostility rather than healing.
Stark Contrast with Trump’s Message of Empowerment
The speech stands in sharp contrast to the commencement address delivered by former President Donald Trump just one week earlier at the University of Alabama. Trump emphasized ambition, hard work, and hope:
“Now is the time to work harder than you have ever worked before… find your limits, and then smash through them.”
He continued with ten life lessons grounded in perseverance, faith, and personal accountability—messages many considered more appropriate for young people entering adulthood.
Reactions Roll In
While some progressives applauded Crockett’s “symbolic” defiance, conservatives and moderate commentators were quick to denounce her words as irresponsible.
“What kind of message is this for graduates?” one user posted online. “Encouraging people to use folding chairs as weapons because of a viral meme?”
Others noted that the moment missed an opportunity to uplift students during one of the most important transitions of their lives.
Political analyst Liz Wheeler added on X:
“This is a commencement speech. Not a bar fight. Shameful rhetoric from a sitting member of Congress.”
From Representation to Responsibility
Crockett, who gained notoriety for combative exchanges in Congress, has increasingly leaned into cultural references and social justice rhetoric. But critics argue that messaging—especially at ceremonial events like commencements—matters deeply.
Tougaloo College has yet to issue a statement on the remarks, though the incident has already made waves on national media.
As the dust settles, one question remains: What should a commencement speaker leave with graduates? Crockett’s audience may now be left wondering whether they were given motivation—or marching orders.
