21/05/2023
New York's WABC Television reports that the highly respected African American civil rights organisation the NAACP has followed the LGBTQIA network Equality Florida in issuing an international warning to travellers that the state has been taken over by extremists who want to eradicate black as well as LGBT+ rights. The advisory comes as a direct response to what the Board says is an "aggressive attempt to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in Florida schools" by Governor DeSantis. The formal notice from the group states, "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 of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color .....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," NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson said. "Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority," said Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, Leon Russell. "We will not not allow our rights and history to be held hostage for political grandstanding. The NAACP proudly fights against the malicious attacks in Florida, against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join in this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy."
https://www.eqfl.org/index.php/
