NAACP chairman Leon W. Russell defended his travel warning for black people in the state of Florida, despite living in the Tampa Bay area.
Hypocrisy At Its Finest
Russell, who appeared on MSNBC’s “The ReidOut,” addressed the recent controversy against the NAACP’s travel warning against Florida, citing “Governor Ron DeSantis’ relentless efforts to erase black history.”
Christian Ziegler, chair of the Florida Republican Party, noted that Russell’s Twitter account indicates he resides in the Tampa Bay area.
The CHAIRMAN of the @NAACP lives in Tampa, FLORIDA!
True leadership is being willing to do what you ask others to do… time to step up and MOVE.
If you think our state is so bad, the @FloridaGOP will help with moving costs. https://t.co/fhvaiii9iB pic.twitter.com/5NnhQZyc3P
— Christian Ziegler 🇺🇸 (@ChrisMZiegler) May 21, 2023
Ziegler commented on Russell’s evident hypocrisy and suggested paying for his flight away. Russell fought against “The ReidOut,” overlooking the irony of it all.
But OK to erase white history. Hmm Appearing on MSNBC’s "The ReidOut," Russell discussed the recent backlash over the NAACP warning Black people against traveling to Florida following "Governor Ron DeSantis' aggressive attempts to erase Black history."https://t.co/AWAs2JxQUF
— Carol (@CarolRN_USMC) May 23, 2023
Russell previously criticized DeSantis in a statement regarding the travel advisory.
In addition, Russell stated in the press release that, once again, state leaders motivated by hatred have prioritized politics over people.
According to him, Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida waged an open war against the principles of inclusion and diversity and shunned their shared identities to appeal to a harmful, extremist minority.
Statements and Reactions From DeSantis
He continued with his public remarks by stating that they would not allow their liberties and history to be used as political leverage.
The NAACP fights with pride against the malicious assaults against African-Americans in Florida, according to the spokesperson of the civil rights organization. He added that he urges his fellow Floridians to join this struggle in order to defend themselves and democracy.
DeSantis spokesperson Jeremy Redfern faulted the advisory in a press release to Fox News Digital, stating, as Governor DeSantis declared last week, Florida is experiencing record-breaking tourism.
This is nothing but an elaborate hoax.
In March, the NAACP initially considered the possibility of issuing this travel advisory. DeSantis described it as a “joke” and a ruse at the time.
This article appeared in NewsHouse and has been published here with permission.
