Black Organizations Move Conferences Out Of Florida Following NAACP Travel Advisory

Two major black organizations are moving their multimillion-dollar conferences from Florida after the NAACP issued a formal travel advisory saying that the state has become “openly hostile toward African Americans.”

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the country’s oldest intercollegiate black fraternity, and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), one of the largest student-governed organizations in the country, both scheduled conferences to be held in Florida in 2024 and 2025.

However, they have chosen to relocate due to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ (R) “harmful, racist and insensitive policies against the black community,” as Alpha Phi Alpha said in a statement.

GOP attempts to whitewash Florida’s curriculum have resulted in pushback from Democratic constituents and officials. DeSantis recently approved a measure that demands teachers instruct students about the “benefits” of slavery. In May, he signed legislation that prohibited colleges from spending public funds on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

DeSantis has mocked the NAACP’s travel advisory. His war on “wokeness” is a movement that he has prided himself on and one that is fueling his campaign for the 2024 presidential election.

Black organizations and activists are increasingly protesting the far-right legislation by taking their business elsewhere.

Article by Ava Lombardi