Oldest Black Collegiate Fraternity Relocating Convention from Florida Due to Racist Policies
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the oldest historically Black collegiate fraternity in the U.S., has announced that it will be moving its planned 2025 convention from Florida. The decision comes in response to what the fraternity describes as the “harmful, racist, and insensitive” policies of Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration towards African Americans.
The convention, which draws between 4,000 and 6,000 people and has an economic impact of $4.6 million, was originally scheduled to take place in Orlando. However, the fraternity has yet to determine a new location for the event.
This move by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity follows a travel advisory issued earlier this spring by the NAACP and other civil rights organizations, warning that Florida’s recently passed laws and policies openly target African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Willis Lonzer, the fraternity’s general president, released a statement on Wednesday explaining that the decision was partly influenced by Florida’s new education standards, which require middle school teachers to instruct students that slaves developed skills for their own benefit. Lonzer emphasized that while the convention is being relocated, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support advocacy efforts against the governor’s assault on communities in Florida.
Governor DeSantis, who is currently running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, has faced criticism this week for Florida’s new education standards. One of his critics is U.S. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, a rival for the Republican nomination and the only Black Republican in the Senate.
In response to the criticism, Governor DeSantis defended himself, stating that he was “defending” Florida “against false accusations and against lies” and that he would continue to speak the truth.
The NAACP, along with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Equality Florida, issued travel advisories for Florida in May. These advisories highlighted laws that prohibit diversity programs in state colleges, restrict certain race-based conversations and analysis, and limit LGBTQ+ discussions in schools. The advisories also pointed out laws that make life more difficult for immigrants in Florida.
This decision by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity to move its convention adds to a growing list of organizations and associations that have canceled events in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale due to Florida’s political climate.
Florida is one of the most popular states in the U.S. for tourists, with tourism being one of its largest industries. In 2019, visitors spent $98.8 billion in the state, supporting 1.6 million full-time and part-time jobs. However, recent events and policies have raised concerns about the state’s inclusivity and its impact on tourism.
As the oldest historically Black collegiate fraternity takes a stand against racist policies, the debate surrounding Governor DeSantis’ administration’s actions continues. The relocation of the convention serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice in Florida and across the nation.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-07-29 16:11:00
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