GOP members slam Legislative Black Caucus for signing them onto NAACP advisory support letter
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Black Florida House Republican members released a joint statement, criticizing the Florida Legislative Black Caucus for including their names on a letter that supports the NAACP travel advisory and criticizes Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policies.
Reps. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, Kiyan Michael, R-Jacksonville, and Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona, released the joint statement.
“We are not members of the Black Caucus nor do we have any interest in becoming members. We call on the Black Caucus to end any usage of our names that would suggest that we are members or in agreement with their agenda,” the joint statement said.
The joint statement is in response to the Florida Legislative Black Caucus signing their names onto a letter that said they are “deeply concerned with the civil rights and safety” of their constituents based on DeSantis’ “divisiveness.”
The group listed Barnaby’, Jacques’, and Michael’s names on the letter, which criticized DeSantis’ policies and stood in “solidarity” with the NAACP’s travel advisory.
The NAACP Board of Directors warned Black Americans Monday to be advised of “hostile” Florida policies if considering a trip to the state.
“It’s been brought to our attention that the Florida Legislative Black Caucus used our names in a letter supporting the ridiculous NAACP travel advisory,” the joint statement said.
“We never gave permission for our names to be used, and we strongly disavow both the NAACP travel advisory and the Black Caucus statement.”
The Florida Legislative Black Caucus is mostly filled with Democrat members besides Sen. Corey Simon who is a Republican from Tallahassee.
“We strongly stand with Governor DeSantis in his fight against woke ideology. His leadership in Florida has led to expanded school choice, record low crime rates, and record low unemployment. These are results that all Floridians can be proud of!” the GOP joint statement said.
Florida’s Voice reached out to the Florida Legislative Black Caucus and did not receive an immediate response.
