The "War" On Diversity Begins In Florida

Commentary by Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Commission Chair Al Pina:


“As I have mentioned in many other editorials, the State of Florida does not give a damn about minority children, families or businesses. Diversity in Florida…yea right. We have infant mortality rates for African Americans in some Florida cities that are over 30%. I am utterly offended by Florida’s complete lack of sensibility towards the suffering of others. Governor Scott has already demonstrated in less than a month in office that he intends to declare on a War on Diversity. In his budget he is proposing to eliminate the Office of Supplier Diversity, but he is even attacking the Homeless. Not Since Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio outlawed the feeding of the Homeless in downtown Tampa have I seen such a shameless act. We have seen the State of Florida pass SB 998 which told Foundations and state governments that they did not need to produce any diversity data and now they are attacking actual Diversity programs. But I honestly saw this coming for sometime because we live in a state where the minority leaders whom are elected to protect the minority families, businesses and communities are as always silent. Where is their outrage? Where is their anger? Where is their leadership? As always…SILENT. That actually disgusts me more than those whom lack the sensibility towards the suffering of others. I hope that my fellow brothers and sisters whom are in the trenches working to help our fellows can now see it is up to us. Our leaders lack courage so it is up to us to fight for those whom have no voice. It is up to us to shield ourselves with courage and prayers so we may take on this savage beast that feeds upon our children’s hopes and dreams. It is up to us to engage this WAR ON DIVERSITY that Governor Scott has declared. For if not us, whom? And remember my fellow brothers and sisters, for if God is truly with us, what shall we fear? NOTHING

P.S. Those whom have been sending me threats they mean nothing to me. 

Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition (FMCRC) is an organization dedicated towards improving the quality of life for low-income and minority communities of Florida. Understanding that our communities are often unheard in major policy debates, FMCRC works to ensure that the needs of these communities are addressed proactively and positively in major policy discussions. Together with our diverse coalition, we actively represent these interests with major corporations, educational institutes, special interest associations, and government officials.