Florida NOW - - Page 31

November 11, 2024 by Florida NOW and Kaitlyn Kirk, Communications Director

Florida NOW Election Results Update

Dear Members and Friends,

Waking up this morning to Harris losing, losing the Senate, being in worse shape in the House, and that Amendment 4 did not pass is devastating. All of you did so much for the reverse to happen. Please be proud of all we did and know that we couldn’t have done more. We stood on the moral side of the ballot where one has to stand to fight fascism and stand for women’s rights—against racism and sexism. Overall, it is very hard to win when playing honest against constant and repeated lies and misinformation backed by a lot of money. However, inflation was a big issue for so many people even though we know Trump’s plans are going to make it worse.

I think we lost Amendment 4 due to the high 60% threshold, the TV ads of lying done by the opposition, the bogus financial statement on the ballot, and the Governor’s use of tax dollars to fight Amendments 3 and 4.

I am in shock. I’m sure you are too. I’m sad and I’m sure you are too. I’m angry at white Americans and others (Republican women) and I’m sure you are too. I’m disturbed by how many people voted against their own best interests. It really does feel like the beginning of the Nazi era in Germany. It is scary that the GOP has control of the Presidency, the House, the Senate, and much of the Courts.

Now what? Over the next days, weeks, and all throughout Trump’s term we will be figuring out what to do. We will have to be vigilant with the State Legislature and DeSantis since they will be emboldened to further work Project 2025 in their upcoming session. We will be working hard at partnerships and alliances because we stand stronger together.

Fighting for women’s rights and gender liberation has never been more important in our lifetimes and in the South. We will charge on in the face of severe opposition to the rights of women, girls, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. I think of other horrific times like the Civil War, the Great Depression, the World Wars, etc. which were even worse times than now. America will never be the same, but we will fight against fascism, sexism, racism, Christian nationalism, and white male supremacy. So, we pick up the charge to fight all of this chaos tomorrow. We’ll do it together and we never give up.

Take Care,
Debbie Deland,
Florida NOW President
president@flnow.org

October 30, 2023 by Florida NOW

PINELLAS COUNTY COMMISSIONER RENÉ FLOWERS SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT: FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD BLACK WOMEN U.S. SENATORS TAKE THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE IN HISTORY

For Immediate Release: October 22, 2023 NOW logo broad small.jpg

President Debbie Deland, Florida NOW president@flnow.org

Just before the world was stunned by the onset of the barbaric atrocities of the Israeli-Hamas war and the ongoing horror in Ukraine, our domestic airwaves were choked by seemingly endless news cycles covering the former President and his 91 felony counts. Yet, on September 28 we lost a strong voice for women – the passing of Senator Diane Feinstein.

To complete Senator Feinstein’s term, from a field of accomplished candidates CA Governor Gavin Newsom selected Laphonza Butler, a rising star to broaden the base of feminists who seek equality, equity, and justice for all women, for all people.

Commissioner René Flowers reported, “On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris (the second Black woman to serve in the United States Senate) swore in the third Black female senator, Senator Laphonza Butler. Senator Butler will join the ranks of former Senator Carol Mosely Braun, who was the first Black woman to serve in the United States Senate from 1993-1999.

“Prior to her appointment, Senator Butler was already a strong voice on the political scene on issues that affect women, particularly women of color. She is well known inside California’s Democratic Party apparatus and has worked closely with Governor Newsom’s administration. She also served as a senior adviser to Harris’ 2020 presidential campaign and as the head of Emily’s List, an organization focused on fighting for issues that directly impact women of all ages, races, religions, and sexualities. This leads me to announce another milestone; Senator Butler will be the first openly gay woman to serve in the Senate.

“Much like her predecessors, Senator Butler hails from a working-class family. Her mother held several jobs just to make ends meet after the passing of Mr. Butler when Senator Butler was only 16. Why is this important? It is important because once again, her story totally dispels the myth that African Americans (Black people) do not take advantage of the opportunities provided. Her story dispels the myth yet again that Black women are lazy, having babies out of wedlock, and are welfare seekers. On the contrary, Senator Butler has demonstrated that Black women utilize obstacles as a stepping stone to greatness!

“As the first Black woman to serve on the Pinellas County Commission and the first Black woman in line to become the President of the Florida Association of Counties, heavy is the head that wears the crown indeed. However, those who wear the crown of “firsts” strive for the day when it’s not about being first, but it’s about being an American!”

FLORIDA NOW REACTS:

Debbie Deland, President of the Florida National Organization for Women, comments, “We are proud to have Pinellas County Commissioner René Flowers representing Florida NOW’s commitment to racial justice. We highly value her perspective in our pursuit of equal rights for all women. Given the current and dangerous attacks on actual and factual U.S. history coupled with the sins of omission taking place in Florida, Commissioner Flowers is boldly and correctly setting the record straight by honoring three Black women who have and are today contributing to better our political structure and to save our democracy.’

###

Florida NOW: is an intersectional grassroots organization that promotes feminist ideals, leads societal change, eliminates discrimination, and protects the equal rights of all women and girls in all aspects of social, political, and economic life. It is the largest civil rights organization in the country demanding women’s rights.

October 20, 2023 by Florida NOW