By Jada Ingleton
Source: M.I.A. Media Group
On Wednesday, July 26, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Willis, L. Lonzer, III announced the Fraternity’s decision to relocate their 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention from Orlando, Florida, citing Governor Ron DeSantis’ “harmful, racist, and insensitive policies against the Black community.”
Scheduled to take place in 2025, the event was expected to bring in roughly $4.6 million in revenue. Though a new location has not been set yet, the Fraternity – deeply rooted in its values of brotherhood and social justice – finds fault in upholding a legacy of such principles while supporting a state whose laws and policies continuously target specific groups.
General President Lonzer addressed the “hostile” atmosphere brought on by the contentious legislation in a press release:
“Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has an unmatched legacy of social justice, advocacy, and leadership for the Black community. 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 decision to dissociate from the Orlando conference comes shortly after a series of controversial laws gained momentum in the state, including the rejection of African American studies and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. Most recently, the Florida Board of Education approved new K-12 curriculum guidelines for African American history that have received plenty of backlash due to: requiring lessons on race to be taught objectively; minimizing Florida’s role in slavery and oppression; and forcing the perpetuated narrative that “slaves developed skills which, in some instances, could be applied for their personal benefit.”
General President Lonzer invites citizens to exercise their civic liberties and cast ballots despite the disconnect from the Florida government. The future and perpetuation of Black culture lies in the ballots of the upcoming presidential election, with Gov. DeSantis allegedly a confirmed candidate. This should only energize the opposition to legislation, in General President Lonzer’s opinion.
“Our history is under attack and while there are many ways to fight back to preserve and promote our rich history, the most important thing folks can do is vote.”
General President Lonzer and the Fraternity leadership stressed the ongoing struggle for justice and civil rights on behalf of African Americans and other marginalized groups while in Dallas for the 117th Anniversary Convention and the 97th General Convention. The Fraternity, amongst a large coalition of organizations, continues to object to Florida’s discriminatory policies and harmful tactics against Black people and marginalized communities. On brand with the current convention’s theme of “strengthening brotherhood and standing for social justice,” Alpha Phi Alpha is joined in protest by other Black fraternal organizations such as Kappa Alpha Psi, as well as the NAACP–who issued a travel advisory against Florida in May.
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