The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) issued a travel advisory warning African Americans not to travel to Florida because "under the leadership of Governor Desantis," the state "has become hostile to African Americans." The association's president, Derrick Johnson, said that this statement "comes in direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools."
"Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon."
— NAACP President and CEO @DerrickNAACP
Take a stand with us. https://t.co/zsgLbNYL8t
— NAACP (@NAACP) May 20, 2023
According to the organization, "Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color."
"Breach of duty" in Florida
In the statement, Johnson accused the governor of not wanting to teach "the horrors and inequalities that black Americans have faced in the past," which is "a dereliction of duty to all." He further warned DeSantis that democracy advocates "are prepared to stand up and fight." He called on allies to "not retreat" but to join them "in the battle."
Let me be clear — failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all. Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.
Florida intends to "rewrite American history"
The NAACP went so far as to list the laws with which DeSantis intends to "rewrite American history to exclude the voices, contributions of African Americans and the challenges they overcame despite the systemic racism that African Americans have faced since they arrived for the first time in this country." The association specifically highlighted "Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act Florida HB 1, Stop Wrongs against Our Kids and Employees Act ("Stop W.O.K.E. Act") Florida HB 7, Constitutional Carry Act Florida House HB 543, Florida Senate Bill 266, and Florida Senate Bill 7066."
The press release ends with the following warning:
If you decide to travel to Florida:
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- Please be advised that Florida public schools will not teach your children accurate African-American history, which includes a history of enslavement, segregation, racial injustice and systemic racism.
- Please be advised that the State of Florida does not value diversity, equity and inclusion in Florida's schools, colleges and universities.
- Please be advised that the State of Florida does not welcome the contributions of African Americans and people of color.
One of the signatories lives in Florida and assures that "we haven't told anybody to leave"
Following the publication of the recommendation, one of the signatories, Leon Russell, was criticized for signing the document while he himself lives in Tampa Bay. Russell pointed out that " it’s not about money, it’s about people, it’s about humanity. Quite frankly, we haven’t told anybody to leave. In fact, the NAACP is encouraging folks to stay here and fight. If there was ever a reason to stand your ground, it’s Black people, LGBT community, the immigrant community, women, need to stand our ground in Florida and fight, and understand that that fight is a political fight."
