Florida

NAACP Warns Against Traveling To Florida Due To “Openly Hostile” Behavior

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The NAACP is advising against traveling to Florida, citing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs” in the state’s schools. The organization released its advisory in a press release on Saturday.

“Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the NAACP said. “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

Read More: Trick Daddy Calls Out FL Gov. Ron DeSantis: “He Thinks He’s A White European Bigot”

Ron DeSantis With Donald Trump

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 26: U.S. President Donald Trump introduces Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a homecoming campaign rally at the BB&T Center on November 26, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. President Trump continues to campaign for re-election in the 2020 presidential race. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“Let me be clear – failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson added. “Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”

Back in January, DeSantis’ administration blocked an Advanced Placement course in African American Studies from Florida high schools. They argued that the content offered was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.” Last year, he also implemented a “Stop WOKE Act,” which restricts the discussion of race and gender in classrooms. DeSantis will likely be running against former President Donald Trump during the Republican Primary for the 2024 Presidental Election. However, DeSantis has yet to comment on the NAACP’s new advisory.

Read More: Donald Trump Considering “Tiny D” As New Name For Ron DeSantis

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Doechii’s Florida Slang Favourites Include “Gitt” And “Green AF”

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TDE artist Doechii has been enjoying her time in the spotlight this month. She’s already filled two of her weekends with iconic performances at Coachella. Those come after she teamed up with Kodak Black for “What It Is (Block Boy)” back in March. She was also honoured at the Billboard Women in Music Awards prior to that. Now she’s sat down with the outlet to discuss going viral and her friendship with labelmate SZA. We also got to hear some of her favourite slang words that she previously learned in her hometown of Tampa, Florida.

One of the 24-year-old’s picks was “Gitt,” which she described as “referring to a child or a friend.” She added, “You’ll just be like, ‘What’s up Gitt?’” Aside from that, she also frequently uses “Green AF.” During her interview, Doechii added, “Ok this is a Tampa thing. We used to say ‘Decka Like a Stecka’. That means like I’m really about that life, I’m that bitch, I’m that girl. Decka Like a Stecka, period!” She’s obviously well-versed in the Tampa tongue. Still, many others would be lost by the phrases without the “Persuasive” hitmaker’s explanations.

Doechii Discusses Florida Slang with Billboard

Elsewhere in their chat, Doechii markedly expressed gratitude for being TDE’s first female rap signee. She stands alongside male artists like Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. “It’s a huge responsibility because I know that after me there’s gonna be more female rappers that are a part of TDE. I just wanna make sure that I do everything so that the next girl feels comfortable doing everything,” the rising star expressed.

While she’s only given us one single so far in 2023, the year before was seriously stacked for Doechii. She shared singles like “Crazy” and “Bitch I’m Nice” before finally giving us her she / her / black bitch EP featuring Rico Nasty, Jst Ray, and SZA last August. After that, she debuted “Stressed” on A COLORS SHOW, receiving rave reviews from fans before eventually sharing the studio cut on DSPs just a few weeks later. Are you familiar with any other Floridian slang words? Share your favourites in the comments, and tap back in later for more pop culture news updates.

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Dwayne Wade Moved Out Of Florida For Trans Daughter

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Dwayne Wade may have made his name in Florida, but he is no longer living there. The athlete has said that his family would not feel welcome in the state. Wade, who is the father of a transgender daughter, has stated that he no longer lives in Florida due to what he perceives as restrictive policies. More specifically, he and his family left due to policies that violate the rights of LGBTQ residents. As a father, Wade says he must think of his family.

As many know, Florida has become a hotspot for the battleground between conservatives and liberals on the subject of LGBTQ rights. The state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, and many state-level lawmakers have passed controversial legislation regarding the community. Perhaps most notably, they passed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill. In response to this, Wade says in no uncertain terms that his family wouldn’t be comfortable there.

Wade’s Family Values

Dwayne Wade's Family
(L-R) Zaya Wade, Kaavia James Union Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade attend the Premiere of Disney’s “Cheaper By The Dozen.”
(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

In an interview with Rachel Nichols on her show Headliners, 41-year-old Wade, a former basketball player, confirmed that he is no longer a resident of Florida. “You know, obviously, the taxes [are] great. Having Wade County is great. But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And, so that’s one of the reasons why I don’t live there,” Dwyane said in the interview. Clearly, family is far more important to the former basketball player than fame. He continued, telling Nichols, “I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions.”

In 2020, Wade’s daughter Zaya came out as transgender. Since then, she has legally changed her name and gender. Luckily, her father has been an outspoken advocate on her behalf. Even given the fact that Wade played 15 seasons of basketball in Miami, he felt it best to leave. The Wades aren’t alone, either. Many families, both celebrity and otherwise, have made the move from the sunshine state. It would appear that many feel the new anti-LGBTQ policies violate their rights and the rights of their loved ones. Whether or not this will have any effect on the policies remains to be seen. What do you think of Wade’s decision to leave for his daughter’s sake? Let us know in the comments!

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Dwyane Wade Moved Out Of Florida For Trans Daughter

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Dwayne Wade may have made his name in Florida, but he is no longer living there. The athlete has said that his family would not feel welcome in the state. Wade, who is the father of a transgender daughter, has stated that he no longer lives in Florida due to what he perceives as restrictive policies. More specifically, he and his family left due to policies that violate the rights of LGBTQ residents. As a father, Wade says he must think of his family.

As many know, Florida has become a hotspot for the battleground between conservatives and liberals on the subject of LGBTQ rights. The state’s governor, Ron DeSantis, and many state-level lawmakers have passed controversial legislation regarding the community. Perhaps most notably, they passed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill. In response to this, Wade says in no uncertain terms that his family wouldn’t be comfortable there.

Wade’s Family Values

Dwayne Wade's Family
(L-R) Zaya Wade, Kaavia James Union Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Dwyane Wade attend the Premiere of Disney’s “Cheaper By The Dozen.”
(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

In an interview with Rachel Nichols on her show Headliners, 41-year-old Wade, a former basketball player, confirmed that he is no longer a resident of Florida. “You know, obviously, the taxes [are] great. Having Wade County is great. But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And, so that’s one of the reasons why I don’t live there,” Dwyane said in the interview. Clearly, family is far more important to the former basketball player than fame. He continued, telling Nichols, “I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions.”

In 2020, Wade’s daughter Zaya came out as transgender. Since then, she has legally changed her name and gender. Luckily, her father has been an outspoken advocate on her behalf. Even given the fact that Wade played 15 seasons of basketball in Miami, he felt it best to leave. The Wades aren’t alone, either. Many families, both celebrity and otherwise, have made the move from the sunshine state. It would appear that many feel the new anti-LGBTQ policies violate their rights and the rights of their loved ones. Whether or not this will have any effect on the policies remains to be seen. What do you think of Wade’s decision to leave for his daughter’s sake? Let us know in the comments!

[Via]

Disney Sues Ron DeSantis

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The battle between Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and entertainment behemoth Disney is one of the stranger political stories of the year. DeSantis, a vocal anti-LGBTQ advocate, has taken offense in recent months to the perceived “liberal indoctrination” of children at the hands of Disney. This is a common right-wing talking point that claims Disney is “grooming” children by being accepting of LGBTQ individuals.

DeSantis first took aim at Disney by creating a governor-appointed board that would control the specially exempt land Disney’s Florida theme park sits on. Disney responded by nullifying that board’s power in an 11th-hour agreement with the outgoing board. DeSantis responded by introducing legislation that would stymie Disney, while also making comments he might build a prison next door. Well, now Disney is hitting back once again

Disney Sues DeSantis On First Amendment Grounds

Disney’s latest move is to straight-up sue DeSantis in federal court. In a filing to the District Court of the Northern District of Florida, Disney is suing the governor for a “targeted campaign of government retaliation—orchestrated at every step by Governor DeSantis as punishment for Disney’s protected speech.” Furthermore, Disney claims that they have been “forced to defend itself against a State weaponizing its power to inflict political punishment.” Disney’s suit also stated that it was suing because it had the resources to. “a stand smaller businesses and individuals might not be able to take when the State comes after them for expressing their own views. In America, the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.”

So what does this all mean? In short, Disney is suing DeSantis over the First Amendment. The claim is that Disney is allowed to say what they want without fear of retribution from the government. That’s because “the government can’t punish me for criticizing the government” is literally the First Amendment. Since DeSantis is actively targeting Disney for its views, he is violating the First Amendment. The move is not great for DeSantis, who at one time looked like a 2024 Presidential frontrunner. But now he’s watching his hypothetical polling numbers crater while being labeled as the guy fighting Disney. DeSantis, who is currently in Japan, is yet to respond to the lawsuit.

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Kodak Black Speaks From The Heart On “No Love For A Thug”

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It’s been a year filled with ups and downs for Kodak Black. Though he recently entered a rehab facility and faced some issues with the law recently, the Florida native has a few things to look forward to these days. He enrolled at Arizona State University where he aims to earn his degree, though he hasn’t revealed his major yet. However, that doesn’t mean Yak’s neglected his fans. The “Zeze” rapper’s unloaded a few singles since the beginning of the year including his collab with Gucci Mane, “King Snipe” and “My Lil Sh*t” ft. Syko Bob.

Though no plans for a new album have been announced yet, it seems Yak is well on his way to following up Kutthroat Bill Vol. 1 soon. The “Super Gremlin” artist slid through with the release of his new single, “No Love For A Thug” this morning. Kodak Black collides with Lbeats for his latest offering, which shows a more vulnerable side. Over mournful piano chords and slow-burning 808s, Yak shares a soul-bearing offering where he divulges his deepest thoughts. 

Kodak Black’s Introspection Comes Out On New Single

With an introspective outlook on the world, the rapper’s new single finds him grappling with a harrowing reality. He mournfully details the loss of his friends and family within the song’s opening bars before delving into the dichotomy between having one foot in the streets and the other in the rap game. Ultimately, it sounds like a cry for help at his loneliest; a search for genuine love in a world full of snakes and opportunists. In the second verse, Kodak reflects on heartbreak.

The release of “No Love For A Thug” comes just before he headlines the 2023 Black Spring Break in Biloxi. Yak is expected to touch the stage on Saturday at the Coliseum. The show also includes performances from Nardo Wick, EST Gee, Fynesse 2 Times, and Gloss Up. Hopefully, Yak will also perform his latest single during his upcoming performance. Check out Kodak Black’s “No Love For A Thug” above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments.

Quotable Lyrics
‘Cause it always be some shit, no matter how good I’ve done
And I just bought a whole strip, my hoes know where I’m from
And now they sayin’ they found Fentanyl in my cup
Crackers tryna set me up, n***a tryna wet me up