Photograph courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Alpha Phi Alpha says it’s not going to Florida after all. The Black men’s fraternity says it will move its 2025 general convention from Florida following what it deems are “racist” polices set fourth by the State of Florida.
The fraternity cited “Governor DeSantis’ harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black Community,” being the reason for their relocation, per their statement posted onto ‘X’ formerly known as Twitter, and as announced by the fraternity’s General President Dr. Willis, L. Lonzer, III.
The fraternity made the announcement on the first day of its 97th general convention and 117th anniversary convention in Dallas, Texas.
The announcement also comes as the Black men’s fraternity is exercising its current convention theme of “Strengthening the Brotherhood and Standing for Social Justice.”
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community,” said General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III. “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.”
Earlier this week, the Florida Board of Education approved a controversial new K-12 curriculum for African American history.
One of the updated standards that received backlash requires instructors to teach that “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”