Outrage is mounting after Tennessee Republican Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger referred to Texas Congressman Al Green, a 77-year-old civil rights advocate, as “boy” during a recent interview — a remark local leaders and national advocates are calling racist and unacceptable.

In a conversation with F.A.M.E. Ministries, Harshbarger mocked Rep. Green, who uses a cane due to a temporary medical condition. She remarked, “Gosh dang it, boy, put that cane—he does not need that cane. That cane is a prop. I swear it’s not real.” She then echoed a colleague’s suggestion that the cane might conceal a weapon, saying, “Screw the gold part off of it, and see if there’s a gun in there.”

The language — particularly the use of the word “boy” — evoked deep historical pain, drawing swift condemnation.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis issued a powerful statement: “Referring to a Black man, especially one of Congressman Green’s stature, as ‘boy’ is not a slip of the tongue. It’s a deliberate invocation of a deeply rooted and violent tradition of white supremacy meant to demean and dehumanize.”

Houston City Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz also denounced the remarks, stating, “To call a man of his distinction and caliber a boy is totally unacceptable.”

Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communication Workers of America, added, “Mocking someone because of their age, race, use of a mobility device, or perceived sexual orientation is not Christian, ethical, or acceptable.”

Congressman Green, speaking from Houston, addressed the controversy, saying the term “boy” has long been used to belittle Black men and must not be tolerated in today’s political discourse. He also clarified that he uses the cane due to a loss of function in his left foot.

As of now, Rep. Harshbarger has not issued an apology, and calls for her to be held accountable are growing.

Local leaders emphasize that this isn’t about partisanship — it’s about respect, dignity, and standing against racism. Commissioner Ellis put it plainly: “We stand with Congressman Green—not just in words, but in action.”