June 2023 Voices Event Reminder (note a date change for "Saving Democracy")

Two big June Zoom opportunities plus a great video!

• White Supremacist Activities in Florida June 7, 7pm, SWFL Voices for Racial Justice is co-sponsoring with Concerned Citizens of Lower Lee County and other interested groups.  
• "Saving Democracy" ****Note date changed to Thursday, June 15****

June 15, 5:30pm, sponsored by Floridians for Democracy, a new nonpartisan organization focused on protecting democracy

• WGCU-PBS: History of Black Vote in SW Florida  A recent production produced by WGCU and our own Voices leader Jarrett Eady

White Supremacist Activities in Florida Florida has become home to a growing number of White Supremacist groups, including antisemitic hate directed at Jews. You will have an opportunity to hear from a very brave Volusia County (Daytona area) Sheriff Mike Chitwood who has had his life threatened and his family directly impacted by by threats on his life. Also participating will be State of Florida Representative Mike Caruso (West Palm Beach) who led a successful effort in getting legislation (HB269) signed by the Governor that will elevate certain anti-religious (including anti-semitic) activities to felony status. We will hear some specific recent examples impacting Florida as well as an opportunity to ask questions and learn how Florida law enforcement will manage direct and implied threats.

Rep. Caruso’s effort is an extremely positive outcome during a Florida legislative session heavily marred by criminalizing gender-affirming care for trans youth; banning sexual identity lessons and gender pronouns in schools; blocking diversity, equity and inclusion programs at state colleges and universities; increased gerrymandering to diminish the Black vote; banning of books, and (sadly) much more. 

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen your VOICES! Our efforts through SWFL Voices for Racial Justice remain vitally important. Do not despair. Our VOICES are essential. Peace, Jim

Articles and information on Sheriff Mike Chitwood:

• Washington Post: The Florida sheriff vs. the neo-Nazi ‘scumbags’
• Daytona Beach News-Journal: Richard Golden: What we know about the man accused of threatening Sheriff Mike Chitwood   
• Twitter Thread: Sheriff Chitwood “greeting” extradited Richard Golden

Palm Beach Post editorial regarding HB269 

Editorial: Florida's new antisemitism law only a start. State needs to stop hating on minorities.     

What is the Goyim Defense League that Richard Golden was quoting and enamored with?

The Goyim Defense League (GDL) is an antisemitic hate group and conspiracy theory network of individuals who are active on social media websites and operate an online video platform called GoyimTV. The GDL also performs banner drops, papering neighborhoods with flyers, and other stunts to harass Jews.                                         

"With a Made Up Mind: History of the Black Vote in Southwest Florida"

SWFL Voices for Racial Justice participant Jarett Eady has helped produce a 26 minute broadcast film with WGCU-PBS. You can watch here. Read News-Press article. In this News-Press article a number of valued Voices participants are prominently mentioned: Jarrett Eady, Gerri Ware, Rev. Dr. William Glover, and Lodovic Kimble. 

SW FL Voices for Racial Justice is a growing multiracial and ethnic group of local citizens united to learn and grow from each other while identifying opportunities to Voice concerns, broaden education, tackle policies, call out racism, and much more … all focused on fostering a more respectful, equitable and just community.  

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