Florida, the Sunshine State, is known for its beaches, theme parks, and diverse culture. But for Black women, Florida is also a place of danger, discrimination, and violence. According to the NAACP, Florida is the most dangerous state in the country if you’re a Black woman. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why Florida is so hostile to Black women and what can be done to change this situation.
The Legacy of Racism and Oppression
Florida has a long history of racism and oppression against Black people, dating back to the era of slavery and segregation. Florida was one of the last states to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy during the Civil War, and it enacted some of the harshest Jim Crow laws in the country, such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and lynching.
Even after the civil rights movement, Florida continued to resist racial integration and equality, as evidenced by the 1971 riots in Miami, the 1980 killing of Arthur McDuffie, and the 2012 shooting of Trayvon Martin.
These historical events have shaped the social and economic conditions of Black people in Florida, especially Black women, who face multiple forms of oppression based on their race, gender, and class. Black women in Florida are more likely to live in poverty, experience unemployment, lack access to health care, education, and housing, and suffer from domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide than white women or Black men .
These disparities are not only the result of individual prejudice, but also of systemic racism, sexism, and classism that pervade the institutions and policies of Florida.
The Policies of Ron DeSantis
One of the main factors that contribute to the danger and discrimination that Black women face in Florida is the current governor, Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, a Republican and a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has enacted a series of policies that undermine the rights and interests of Black people, especially Black women, in Florida. Some of these policies include:
1.) Banning the teaching of critical race theory and the 1619 Project in public schools, which aim to educate students about the history and impact of racism and slavery in the United States.
2.) Signing an anti-riot bill that criminalizes peaceful protests and grants immunity to drivers who run over protesters, which disproportionately affects Black activists who are fighting for racial justice and police accountability.
3.) Opposing the expansion of Medicaid, which would provide health insurance to millions of low-income Floridians, many of whom are Black women.
4.) Restricting voting rights by imposing new limits on mail-in ballots, drop boxes, and voter registration, which disproportionately affect Black voters who face more barriers to access the polls.
5.) Appointing conservative judges to the state Supreme Court, who are more likely to uphold laws that restrict reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, and environmental protections, which affect Black women and other marginalized groups.
These policies not only harm the well-being and dignity of Black women, but also erase their history and silence their voices. By denying the reality and legacy of racism and oppression in Florida, DeSantis is perpetuating the myth of a colorblind society that ignores the specific challenges and needs of Black women.
By suppressing the right to protest and vote, DeSantis is preventing Black women from expressing their grievances and demanding change. By appointing judges who favor conservative values, DeSantis is threatening the autonomy and freedom of Black women over their bodies and identities.
The Way Forward
The situation of Black women in Florida is dire, but not hopeless. There are many ways that Black women and their allies can resist the danger and discrimination that they face and create a more just and equitable society. Some of these ways include:
1.) Educating themselves and others about the history and impact of racism and oppression in Florida and the United States, and challenging the narratives and stereotypes that devalue and dehumanize Black women.
2.) Organizing and mobilizing for social change, by joining or supporting movements and organizations that advocate for racial justice, gender justice, economic justice, and human rights.
3.) Voting and running for office, by participating in the electoral process and holding elected officials accountable, or by becoming candidates themselves and representing the interests and needs of Black women and other marginalized groups.
4.) Practicing self-care and community care, by taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional health, and by supporting and uplifting other Black women who are facing similar struggles.
Conclusion
Florida is the most dangerous state in the country if you’re a Black woman, because of the legacy of racism and oppression, and the policies of Ron DeSantis. However, Black women are not passive victims, but active agents of change, who can resist and transform the conditions that threaten their lives and dignity. By educating, organizing, voting, and caring, Black women can create a safer and more inclusive Florida for themselves and for everyone.