Florida’s Loss is… Who’s Gain? Black Organizations Bid Adieu to Sunshine State! 🌞✌️

TL;DR:
Two big-shot Black organizations are ditching Florida for their upcoming multimillion-dollar conferences, following NAACP’s travel advisory about Florida’s “unfriendly” atmosphere for African Americans. 😮❌💰

In the wake of the NAACP’s warning bell about Florida’s, let’s just say, “not-so-welcoming” vibes for African Americans under Gov. Ron DeSantis, two biggies in the Black community have packed their conference bags to roll outta the state. 🛄✈️

But here’s the real tea: folks are hoping this “bye Felicia” moment for Florida might stir up some real change come 2024 elections. 🗳️💡

Melba Pearson, a Miami-based advocate in civil rights and criminal law, spilled, “We’re banking on this financial blow making lawmakers think twice about their recent decisions. And, hey voters! Maybe it’s time to rethink who’s representing you and your pals?” 🤔

So, who’s bailing on the Sunshine State? 🌴

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – The OG Black fraternity in the US. Talk about legacy, these folks have been around since 1906. They’ve got a whopping 200,000 members across 700 chapters globally. They were all set to party in Orlando for their 119th anniversary in 2025. But now? They’re looking for a new party pad thanks to what they call DeSantis’s “racist policies”. The impact on Florida’s pocket? A cool $4.6 million. Ouch. 💸

National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) – One of the US’s mega student-run organizations. They were planning their 2024 get-together in Florida. But with the current air of “hostility”? They’re rethinking their RSVP. 📅

Seems like a lose-lose for Florida. On one hand, they’re losing out on some major dollar bills. 💵 On the other, the image of the state takes a hit. Will this set a trend? Will more organizations join the exodus? 🤷‍♂️

Let’s get real for a moment: These aren’t just financial decisions. They’re about taking a stand, voicing concerns, and driving home a message. We’ve seen organizations pivot based on political climates before. It’s not just about the immediate dollars lost, but the ripple effect it has on perceptions, choices, and future decisions. 🌊

And now, the million-dollar question (literally): Where will these organizations head to? And will Florida realize that it’s not just the sun that needs to shine bright, but also its policies and attitude? 💭🔍🌞

Debate starter: What would you do if you were in charge of one of these organizations? Would you take a stand and move? Or work from within to inspire change? 🎤👇