Attached to the e-mail is a press release written on behalf of a grassroots coalition of organizations in Pensacola, FL who are opposed to Florida State HB1/SB484, the ”Combating Public Disorder” bill, which was introduced hours after insurgents took over the US Capitol on 6 January, 2021. All contact info and press inquiries are attached to the release. Thank you and enjoy your day.
- Black Voters Matter
- Dream Defenders – Pensacola
- Life is Hale
- Strive [Socialist Trans Initiative]
- Workers World Party – Central Gulf Coast
- Party for Socialism and Liberation – Central Gulf Coast
In response to the attempted coup by right-wing fascists in Washington D.C. at the Capitol on 6 January, 2021, the Florida House of Representatives and Senate filed identical bills that they claim are to combat violence, disorder, and looting in the state of Florida, on 7 January, 2021. This was led by Governor Ron DeSantis making the claim that: “While as Americans we all have a right to peacefully assemble, violence or rioting of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated in the state of Florida. In 2020, I proposed legislation to stop violent assemblies, combat rioting and protect law enforcement. In light of today’s events at our United States Capitol, we have no time to waste to uphold public safety. I look forward to working with House Speaker Sprowls and Senate President Simpson to swiftly pass this bill during the upcoming Legislative Session so that we may protect the rule of law in our great state.”
There is no doubt that the concern and outrage expressed by the Florida government is a carefully crafted act of political theatre; for his entire term as Governor, Ron DeSantis has been one of the biggest supporters of Trump and biggest threats to the Black Lives Matter movement throughout the state of Florida, culminating in this incredibly reactionary bill. This bill is partly proposed due to the actions of the aforementioned coalition on June 6th blocking the Chappie James Bridge, which occurred during the city’s participation in the nationwide protests surrounding the deaths of Tymar Crawford, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Make no mistake, this bill is not an answer to the heinous actions that occurred in Washington, DC on January 6th as this bill was officially a proposal on September 25th. This bill, if voted into law, will not be enacted as swiftly or rigorously on white supremacists and right-wing domestic terrorists as it will be on Black and Brown individuals in this State who are declaring that our/their lives have value. We understand the power that working class and oppressed individuals truly have in this state and we urge the community to join us in asking our local State representatives and State Senators to #StopTheDeSantisAct.
For questions and media inquiries, contact:
Jamil Davis: jamil.h.davis@outlook.com, 850.252.2873
Devin Cole: wwpcgc@gmail.com
Jamil Davis, North Florida Regional Organizer
He/Him/His
Black Voters Matter Fund
DIRECT: (850) 252-2873
EMAIL: jamil@blackvotersmatterfund.org
WEBSITE: www.blackvotersmatterfund.org
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