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Who is Francis Suarez? Miami mayor slammed over 'tone deaf' Africa-themed police car for Black History Month

Francis Suarez said, 'This is a beautiful collaboration to commemorate Black History Month and the history of African Americans and police department'

MIAMI, FLORIDA: The city of Miami is facing extensive criticism for how it commemorated Black History month. The city began the celebration after Mayor Francis Suarez unveiled a new police cruiser decorated with Africa-themed imagery. 

The unveiling happened on Thursday, February 2, as per Fox News. Along with the Mayor, Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales was also in attendance. However, Miami Police and Mayor's office has been criticized over the unveiling of the car. 

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Who is Mayor Francis Suarez?

Mayor Francis Xavier Suarez is the 33rd Mayor of the City of Miami. He completed his Bachelor's in Business Administration from Florida International University. He went on to receive his law degree from the University of Florida Frederic G Levin College of Law, where he graduated cum laude. He is currently an attorney with the law firm Greenspoon Marder, specializing in corporate and real estate transactions. He is married to Gloria Fonts Suarez and they are gifted with a son, Andrew Xavier, and a daughter, Gloriana Pilar. About the unveiling of the car, he said, "This is a beautiful collaboration to commemorate Black history and Black History Month and the history of African Americans and our police department and our city. This is Black history," as per Fox News.

Later, he rendered his service as the CEO of Edge Title Company for a period of three years. He has been working for the welfare of the city of Miami for the past 13 years. He began his role as a public servant as a District 4 Commissioner from November 2009 till November 2017. Under this capacity, he "had many legislative accomplishments as Commissioner, including implementing ShotSpotter technology in the City, a state-of-the-art gunshot detection system, setting up a transportation trust fund, which allocates funds for current and future transit projects, and passing the Reverse Redline legislation, authorizing lawsuits against several major banks for discriminatory mortgage lending practices. As a result, the City’s lawsuit reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled that cities have standing to sue banks under the Fair Housing Act for such discriminatory practices," as per his LinkedIn.

In 2017, he was elected as the mayor of the city. On his LinkedIn, he claims, "As the first Miami-born mayor, he is committed to working diligently to serve the residents of the community where he was born and raised. Prior to being elected with 86 percent support from Miami residents, Mayor Suarez served as Miami Commissioner for District 4 for eight years. Mayor Suarez is dedicated to elevating the quality of life of the residents he serves by focusing on transportation and connectivity, resiliency, and job creation by nurturing the growth of technology and innovation. He is also committed to expanding affordable housing, tackling the poverty pandemic, and, as a corollary, reducing crime. " 

What is the response from Mayor's office? 

Florida-based reporter Joshua Caballos tweeted, "I just spoke to Black police union (@mcpba1946) president Stanley Jean-Poix. He said Mayor Suarez's office had nothing to do with the design of the car, and the design had the full approval of the union before it was unveiled. It celebrates our African ancestry" he said."

'It is barbaric behavior'

The Internet quickly reacted to the unveiling of the car. A user said, "Ummm…This Miami mayor needs to read the room because a police cruiser with black history month printed on it is barbaric behavior." "My thoughts upon the reveal," added another. Vice Mayor for the City of Tamarac wrote, "Symbolism without action, change, or impact. Sad." 

A user stated, "Next up the Jewish history month brightline train." "A graphic designer made this and I feel dirty being a graphic designer because of it," claimed another user.  A Twitter user added, "This has to be the clearest representation of being out of touch with reality because you have to be joking." "Blocks Off An Hour Tonight To Read All The Comments... Jesus Christ WHO Thought This Was A Good Idea??" said one user. Another tweet explained, "How much did this horror cost taxpayers and can they get a refund?"

MSNBC Legal Analyst, Charles F Coleman Jr stated, "1. Because Florida 2. Tell me you don't have a D&I person without telling me you don't have a D&I person. 3. No, you don't get credit for just trying. This type of tone-deaf performative action is what provokes a "war on wokeness" when we are made to accept the unacceptable." 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.