Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent policies on African American Studies and the “Don’t Say Gay Bill” in Florida have led the Black fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha to move its 2025 conference from the sunny state, calling it “hostile” to the Black community. The 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention will move from Orlando “due to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community.”
The event was estimated to generate $4.6 million and host between 4,000-6,000 guests, according to Alpha Phi Alpha, NBC reported. Another Black organization that joined the movement is Kappa Alpha Psi. The organization announced they were subscribing to a “broad coalition of organizations in solidarity against insensitive, discriminatory, and racist policies being promoted in the State of Florida by Gov. Ron DeSantis and his allies.”
Alpha Phi Alph joins other national Black groups in canceling conventions in Florida or condemning the DeSantis administration’s policies, especially the recent ratification of the state’s Black American history standards.
“Although we are moving our convention from Florida, Alpha Phi Alpha will continue to support the strong advocacy of Alpha Brothers and other advocates fighting against the continued assault on our communities in Florida by Gov. Ron DeSantis,” General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III said. “Our work for justice is perpetual. These actions compel us to work harder to protect the legacy of those who struggled and died to make a ‘More Perfect Union,'” he said.
Because of Florida’s political atmosphere, at least nine additional groups or associations have canceled conventions in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, two of the state’s most populous convention locations.
