NAACP chairman: ‘We haven’t told anybody to leave’

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – In response to conservatives mocking the NAACP Board of Directors chairman for living in Tampa, he urged people to remain in the Sunshine State to “fight” and said the NAACP doesn’t want anyone to leave the state.

“He is full of bull—,” NAACP Board of Directors Chairman Leon Russell said on MSNBC in response to Florida GOP Chairman Christian Ziegler offering to pay moving expenses amid the advisory.

“We haven’t told anybody to leave,” Russell continued. “In fact, the NAACP is encouraging folks to stay here and fight.”

“If there was ever a reason to stand your ground, it’s Black people, LGBT community, the immigrant community, women, need to stand our ground in Florida and fight, and understand that that fight is a political fight,” he said.

Russell echoed notions from the NAACP’s travel advisory, which urged “allies” to “join [them] in the battle for the soul of our nation.”

In a press release, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said, “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon.”

“Please be advised that Florida public schools will not teach your children accurate African-American history, which includes a history of enslavement, segregation, racial injustice and systemic racism,” the group claimed.

“Please be advised that the State of Florida does not value diversity, equity, and inclusion in Florida schools, colleges and universities,” the advisory continued. “Please be advised that the State of Florida does not welcome the contributions of African Americans and people of color.”

“The CHAIRMAN of the @NAACP lives in Tampa, FLORIDA!” Ziegler said. “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.”