Florida Chose to Enshrine Hate During Black History Month by Passing Charlie Kirk Day

Rather than honor the legacy of those who fought to expand freedom and opportunity, the Florida Legislature used Black History Month to pass HB 33 and HB 125, elevating Charlie Kirk,  a controversial figure known for spreading divisive rhetoric and racist falsehoods about Black Americans. It is deeply troubling that during a month dedicated to celebrating the contributions and resilience of Black Americans, the Florida Legislature chose to enshrine a figure whose legacy is built on belittling Black individuals.  

To the nearly four million Black Floridians who call this state home, this decision feels like a deliberate insult and a clear reflection of how this Legislature validates a white extremist narrative that attacks our very existence. 

Despite our countless letters and numerous voiced concerns, our appeals have consistently been ignored. Imagine the feelings of a young Black scholar stepping onto campus, faced with the fact that the state has chosen to honor a man who has publicly claimed that Black women lack the intellectual capacity to be taken seriously.

This is part of a years-long campaign by this Legislature to erase our history, undermine our political power, and silence our voices. They have restricted our children from learning the true histories of slavery, segregation, and the ongoing fight for civil rights. When we voted to restore the voting rights of our returning neighbors, they stopped it by placing unnecessary poll taxes and continue to pass restrictive legislation to block more people from voting.  

We will continue to organize, speak out, and demand that Florida’s laws reflect the truth of our history and the full humanity of Black Floridians. 

Bill language can be found here.