We Must Shine a Light on the History Governor DeSantis is Attempting to Cover Up
As the Republicans gear up for their first 2024 presidential debate, I wanted to highlight the only candidate that seems to have a chance against 45, Ron DeSantis. He’s another breed of sinister. More dangerous than the delusional and opportunistic orange one.
DeSantis has hijacked Florida’s educational system, turning a college into a tower of conservatism, and insisting on teaching the “benefits” of slavery. Deep, heart-wrenching, Negro spiritual sigh. We cannot allow this historical rewrite. DeSantis and his colleagues are attempting to create the history they like or better they feel benefits their goals. The devil’s advocate is working overtime to take over our children’s minds. With that said I wanted to highlight FACTUAL history I was just made aware of thanks to MSNBC.
The 1920 Ocoee, Florida massacre.
On November 2, 1920, in Ocoee, Florida, African-American citizens like Moses Norman faced blatant voter suppression. Denied his right to vote over a $1 poll tax, guided by Orlando Judge John Cheney, Norman tried again, drawing the Ku Klux Klan’s attention. Fearing for his life, he planned to leave town, confiding in his partner Julius “July” Perry. Tragically, Perry was lynched by an armed mob that night, strung up from a telephone post near Judge Cheney’s home.
But the horror didn’t stop there. A mob of around 250 white men burned 22 homes, 2 churches, and a fraternal lodge, leaving an uncertain death toll among the Black residents that are believed to be between 30 and 35. It’s a haunting testament to the depths people sunk to silence the African-American voice and still do.
Today, we must be intentional as Republicans attempt to cover up these painful truths. It’s deeply troubling to observe efforts by Florida Governor DeSantis to downplay or hide the horrifying truth of the Ocoee Massacre. It’s not only a denial of the past but a risk to our present, threatening transparency, education, and accountability. We can’t let this history be sidelined, by doing so we will enable the very injustices and inequalities that spawned the massacre. Let’s remember and learn, never allowing this dark chapter to be forgotten.
The struggle for democracy is a seemingly never-ending fight.
We Must:
- Embrace History: We must resist rewriting or erasing the past.
- Advocate for Transparency: Leaders must be accountable for suppressing or distorting facts.
- Champion Equality: Through community organizing and engaging narratives, we must create pathways to equality.
- Educate and Inspire: Education is a powerful tool to overcome racism and voter suppression.
The 1920 Ocoee Massacre should be a lesson to us all, not a hidden secret.
Strive for justice, never forget.
