Alpha Phi Alpha cancels conference in Orlando, Florida
In a resolute stance against what they deem as prejudiced policies, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. announced the relocation of their 99th General Convention and 119th Anniversary Convention, originally slated for 2025 in Orlando, Florida. The announcement was made by Fraternity General President Dr. Willis L. Lonzer, III, who cited Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies as harmful, racially insensitive, and prejudiced against the Black community.
The declaration came during the fraternity’s 97th General Convention and 117th Anniversary Convention in Dallas, Texas, and underlined their convention theme: “Strengthening the Brotherhood and Standing for Social Justice.”
Dr. Lonzer elaborated on Alpha Phi Alpha’s unyielding commitment to the Black community, citing their rich history of social justice advocacy and leadership. “In this climate of contrived division and onslaught against the Black community, our fraternity refuses to channel an estimated $4.6 million convention economic impact towards an area hostile to the communities we serve,” Lonzer proclaimed.
Despite the convention’s relocation, Lonzer stressed that Alpha Phi Alpha would continue supporting the vigorous advocacy of fraternity members and others combatting Governor DeSantis’ ongoing assault on their communities in Florida.
The conventions organized by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity usually inject approximately $4.6 million into the local economy.
The relocation decision follows the controversial approval of a new K-12 curriculum for African American history by the Florida Board of Education earlier this week. Critics say the curriculum glosses over Florida’s role in slavery and oppression, victim-blames, and controversially posits that African Americans benefitted from the abhorrent institution of slavery.
Alpha Phi Alpha joins a diverse coalition of organizations opposing Florida’s barrage of discriminatory policies on protests, voting rights, education, diversity, equity, and inclusion. The NAACP issued a travel advisory in May, terming Florida as “openly hostile” towards African Americans.
The fraternity’s convention in Dallas is currently devoted to spotlighting the ongoing struggle for social justice for African Americans and other marginalized communities. On Monday, fraternity leaders joined Dallas-Ft. Worth area Alpha Phi Alpha Chapters and other Divine 9 Dallas Chapters in a protest march that ended with a rally of hundreds at City Hall.
Alpha Brother, Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, the newly appointed President & CEO of The Rainbow Push Coalition, also played a significant role in leading the march and delivered rousing remarks at the rally.
