On August 29, 2023, the NAACP, a prominent civil rights organization, issued a travel advisory against the state of Florida. This action was taken in response to what the organization called the “all-out attack on Black Americans” by the DeSantis administration, led by Governor Ron DeSantis. The NAACP accused the administration of attempting to erase Black history and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in schools.
The travel advisory warned Black people against traveling to Florida, citing the administration’s record on civil rights issues. The NAACP was joined by several other social justice organizations in issuing this advisory. The DeSantis team dismissed the advisory as a political stunt, but the NAACP stood by their decision, stating that it was a necessary response to the administration’s actions.[0]
The advisory was not the only incident that highlighted the racial tensions in Florida. On August 27, 2023, a racially motivated shooting took place in Jacksonville, Florida, resulting in the deaths of three innocent Black people. The shooter, a white supremacist, had detailed his hateful ideology in his writings. This tragic event once again brought attention to the issue of white extremism and hateful rhetoric in the state.
Former Vice President Mike Pence condemned the shooting, stating that there is no place in America for racially inspired violence.[1] However, his tone was different just two days earlier when he downplayed the existence of white supremacists, comparing them to unicorns. This discrepancy in his statements raised questions about the Republican Party’s stance on white supremacy.[2]
President Joe Biden also released a statement condemning white supremacy and calling for action against hate.[2] He emphasized that silence is complicity and that hate should not have a safe harbor in America. These statements reflect a growing concern about the rise of white supremacy and the need to address it as a nation.
When Governor Ron DeSantis attended a vigil for the victims of the Jacksonville shooting, he was met with boos and shouts of blame from the crowd. Many attendees held him responsible for the deaths, accusing him of not doing enough to address the issue of racial violence in the state. Governor DeSantis did condemn the attack during the vigil, but critics pointed out his previous remarks and policy agenda, which they believe contribute to a divisive and hostile environment.[3]
The events in Florida have sparked a larger conversation about racism and white supremacy in America. They highlight the need for continued efforts to address systemic racism and promote inclusivity and equality. The travel advisory issued by the NAACP serves as a reminder that racial tensions persist in our society and that more work needs to be done to create a safe and equitable environment for all.
0. “Ron DeSantis faces two crises: A racist shooting and looming storm – POLITICO” POLITICO, 28 Aug. 2023, https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/28/desantis-florida-crises-hurricane-racist-shooting-00113226
1. “Candidates react to Jacksonville shooting, and more takeaways from the campaign trail” ABC News, 27 Aug. 2023, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/candidates-react-jacksonville-shooting-takeaways-campaign-trail/story?id=102603147
2. “Republicans ignored white supremacy. Then came Jacksonville.” MSNBC, 29 Aug. 2023, https://www.msnbc.com/symone/white-supremacy-hate-politicians-rcna102231
3. “In light of the Jacksonville shooting, here’s how hate groups have grown in Florida” KGOU, 29 Aug. 2023, https://www.kgou.org/politics-and-government/2023-08-29/in-light-of-the-jacksonville-shooting-heres-how-hate-groups-have-grown-in-florida
