Activist turned Minnesota lawmaker 'unapologetic' about fighting racism in the shadow of Chauvin trial Rep. John Thompson wants to use the legislative system to prevent another death in police custody. April 7, 2021 — 9:11pm Text size Copy shortlink: A young man stopped newly elected state Rep. John Thompson during a rally for justice for George Floyd recently, saying: "They're not treating you well in some of these hearings." Thompson chuckled. He had made a name for himself several years ago as a racial justice activist who disrupted legislative hearings to call for change. He didn't expect widespread popularity now that he was on the other side of the table — certainly not, he said, as a Black man still fighting for equality for Minnesota's African Americans.