The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization dedicated to promoting social justice for African Americans.
Your Board of Directors issued a travel advisory for the state of Florida. It comes as a direct response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ attempts to erase the history of African-Americans and restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida schools.
The advisory states: “Florida is openly hostile to African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people. Before you travel to Florida, please know that the State of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions and challenges that African-Americans and others face.”
“Let me be clear: Failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequities that African Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
“Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to African Americans and is in direct conflict with the democratic ideals on which our organization was founded. But you should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We will not back down and encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”
“Once again, hate-inspired leaders have chosen to put politics before people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the State of Florida have engaged in a flagrant war against the principles of diversity and inclusion and have rejected our shared identities to appeal to an extremist and dangerous minority,” said NAACP Board Chairman, Leon Russell.
“We will not allow our rights and history to be held hostage to political swagger. The NAACP proudly fights malicious attacks in Florida against Black Americans. I encourage my fellow Floridians to join this fight to protect ourselves and our democracy.”
The NAACP distributed 10,000 books to 25 predominantly black communities across the state in partnership with the American Federation of Teachers Reading. Most of the donated books were titles prohibited by increasingly restrictive state laws.
The NAACP continues to encourage local chapters and youth councils to start community libraries to ensure access to representative literature.
