Alpha Phi Alpha, the country’s oldest intercollegiate Black fraternity, has announced plans to move its 2025 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Florida, citing the state’s “harmful” and “racist” policies targeting the Black community. General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer III decried Gov. Ron DeSantis’s recent policy decisions in an official statement.
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community,” he said. “In this environment of manufactured division and attacks on the Black community, Alpha Phi Alpha refuses to direct a projected $4.6 million convention economic impact to a place hostile to the communities we serve. 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 Governor Ron DeSantis.” The event’s relocation will be a significant financial blow to the state’s economy as the convention regularly generates an estimated $4 million in revenue.
This decision comes after Florida released its new K-12 African American Social Studies curriculum that now requires instructors for grades six through eight to highlight how slaves “developed skills” that could be used for their “personal benefit.” The statement drew backlash from civil rights organizations such as the NAACP and national leaders, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who called it an attempt to “gaslight” the Black community. In May, the NAACP issued a travel advisory notice warning various demographics against visiting the Sunshine State.
Alpha Phi Alpha has joined the coalition of organizations protesting Florida’s onslaught of hostile policies as the state’s lawmakers continue to undermine the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, and Black citizens. However, the fraternity will continue its community efforts in Dallas this year, where members will participate in a protest march outside City Hall alongside other Divine Nine chapters.
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