Brief
Florida Senate Candidate Angie Nixon Defends Honoring Assata Shakur
Nixon, running against Sen. Ashley Moody, says honoring controversial figures is about teaching a fuller history.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Florida Democratic Senate nominee Angie Nixon said history is "messy" while defending her decision to honor convicted cop killer Assata Shakur at her bookstore‑café, "Cafe Resistance". Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is contesting a special election to finish Marco Rubio’s term against Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.
What happened
During an interview, Nixon explained that the walls of her café feature civil‑rights leaders who have been convicted of crimes, including Shakur, Angela Davis and others. She said some of those individuals were "set up" and that "not all, right? Maybe. I don’t know. Possibly. A lot of them maintain their innocence." Nixon added that history includes both good and bad, and that teaching the "ugly" parts is necessary.
What the reports add
The article notes that an Associated Press piece recorded Shakur’s 1977 conviction for murder, armed robbery and other crimes, her 1979 escape to Cuba and her death last year. It also cites the Washington Free Beacon, which reported that Nixon raised more than $270,000 in 2024 tax‑exempt funds for the café, though the business was originally set up as a for‑profit LLC, raising questions about its nonprofit status.
What was said
"We don’t know our history. History is — some history is good, it’s bad, it’s messy, it’s ugly, but it needs to be learned," Nixon told the outlet, adding that teaching the version where "our people were fighting and resisting" is essential.
How it came about
Nixon’s campaign has faced criticism for the café’s displays, prompting her to argue that the controversy stems from a sanitized view of history. The Free Beacon’s earlier reporting on the café’s finances provides context for the ongoing scrutiny of her nonprofit claims.
Key facts
- Angie Nixon is the Democratic nominee for the Florida U.S. Senate special election. (legalinsurrection.com)
- Nixon said history is "messy" and defended honoring Assata Shakur at her café. (legalinsurrection.com)
- The café, Cafe Resistance, raised over $270,000 in 2024 tax‑exempt funds but was originally formed as a for‑profit LLC. (legalinsurrection.com)
- Assata Shakur was convicted in 1977 of murder and armed robbery, escaped to Cuba in 1979 and died last year. (legalinsurrection.com)
Sources
- [1] legalinsurrection.com — originally reported as “Florida Democratic Senate Candidate Honors Cop Killers, Says History Is 'Messy'”
