Rep. Posts Picture With Person In Blackface

Reported By Jonathan Martin
POSTED: 4:04 pm CDT November 2, 2010
UPDATED: 6:26 pm CDT November 2, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --

Republican state Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver is facing criticism after posting a picture on the Internet that some are calling racially offensive.

Weaver said that a picture that she took with her pastor in blackface dressed as Aunt Jemima was just Halloween fun and doesn’t understand why the photo is offensive.

However, some of her colleagues in the state Legislature said it is not just the picture that's wrong, but the comment she made about it.

“She's supposed to be a leader, and this is what we have in the Legislature,” said state Sen. Thelma Harper, D-Nashville. “I think this is one of the worst. I think this is as low as you can stoop."

The picture was taken Friday at a Halloween event in Smith County and later posted on Weaver's Facebook page. Under the picture, Weaver typed, “Aunt Jemima, you is so sweet.”

“I think it’s very insensitive and shows a lack of respect,” said Rep. Mike Turner, D-Old Hickory.

“This is what we've had to live with, making a mockery of being black and copying the language that Aunt Jemima used,” said Harper.

Weaver said she feels some Democrats are making something out of nothing and said, “I'm the least racist of anyone. Some of my greatest friends are black."

"It’s off my Facebook, and I surely didn’t mean to offend anybody. I'm sorry if it did, but I apologize,” said Weaver.

Harper said what's most upsetting is that this appears to be part of a pattern in Tennessee politics. Earlier this year, the state's hospitality CEO sent an e-mail comparing first lady Michelle Obama to a chimpanzee.

In a separate incident, a Republican aide sent an e-mail with pictures of the U.S. presidents. However, President Barack Obama’s picture was two cartoon eyes in a black square.

Weaver represents parts of Smith, Macon and DeKalb counties.