Crockett Addresses College Graduates: ‘You Know How to Use a Chair,’ Alluding to Viral 2023 Video of White Boaters Clashing with Black Riverboat Captain

OAN Staff Abril Elfi
6:47 PM – Monday, May 5, 2025

Representative Jasmine Crockett, a Democrat from Texas, spoke at the commencement ceremony of Tougaloo College in Jackson, Mississippi, advising graduates on how to “utilize a chair” amidst challenges—referencing a racially charged incident from a 2023 video in Montgomery, Alabama.

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Tougaloo College is a private historically Black institution located in the Tougaloo region of Jackson, Mississippi.

“There will be those who claim there’s no place at the table for you, but I’m here to remind you of Montgomery and those folding chairs. We know how to use a chair, whether we’re pulling it up or utilizing it in another way,” said Crockett (D-Texas).

Crockett’s commentary seemed to refer to a viral video from August 2023, which showed a confrontation between a group of White boaters and Dameion Pickett, a Black riverboat captain. In that incident, a white folding chair became a symbol of resistance as Pickett defended himself when attacked.

Suspects detained after Saturday night brawl on Riverfront Park dock

Fight began between several white individuals and one Black man, apparently over dock space reserved for riverboat.

Several people were taken into custody Saturday night after a fight on the dock at Montgomery’s… pic.twitter.com/HZUtSlj612

— LockharTVMedia (@LockharTVMedia) August 7, 2023

Pickett also reminded the audience of the bystanders in the viral clip who intervened to protect him during the assault. However, she quickly shifted her focus to criticize former President Donald Trump once again.

“For someone who leads the entire country, you seem to mention my name quite often. Every time you do, it shows how fearful you are of intelligent, courageous Black women who speak the truth and hold you accountable. So, keep on talking,” Crockett stated.

Recently, Trump commented on NBC’s “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker, repeating that Crockett is a “low I.Q. person” while simultaneously branding her the future of the Democratic Party.

In March, Crockett faced significant backlash for mocking Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who is paralyzed from the waist down, referring to him as “Governor Hot Wheels.”

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