Florida Mayoral Candidate Tells Audience Members 'Go Back To Africa'

Source: Facebook

The Florida mayoral candidate's remarks have been denounced by the current mayor of St. Petersburg.

The mayoral race in St. Petersburg is currently underway, with candidates Paul Congemi and Jesse Nevel recently participating in a mayoral debate Tuesday. However, the debate reportedly took a controversial turn when Congemi lashed out at Nevel and his supporters, telling them to "Go back to Africa."

The remarks came about after Congemi took offense at the assertion that he was a "non-factor" in the race, with his comments referencing Nevel's campaign slogan "Unity Through Reparations" and being supported by members of the Uhuru movement.

"Mr. Nevel you and your people talk about reparations. The reparations that you talk about, Mr. Nevel, your people already got your reparations. Your reparations came in the form of a man named Barack Obama," Congemi said. "My advice to you, if you don't like it here in America, planes leave every hour from Tampa airport. Go back to Africa. Go back to Africa. Go back!"

Following the incident, Congemi spoke with the Washington Post, where he said his remarks were directed at a specific group of people who have been pushing to make reparations a political issue, and who, he claimed, heckled him during the debate. He also described Nevel as a "self-hating white man" and said that Nevel and the Uhuru movement are "unhappy about the whole system in America."

Nevel also spoke with the Post, saying that Congemi's comment "reflects a segment of my community. I've met plenty of other people who feel that way. That's why I feel that it's important for those of us in the white community to take a public stand with reparations."

Rick Kriseman, the current mayor of St. Petersburg, released a statement, denouncing Congemi’s reaction.

I was reluctant to engage this candidate last night and draw even more attention to his disturbing message. I regret not doing so, though. It is simply unacceptable to spew this kind of bigoted rhetoric. Free speech should not compromise the dignity and respect of any person or community. This candidate spoke hateful words about African-Americans and our LGBT community. He has the right to do so, but nothing about what he said is right. His comments just aren’t who we are.

Source: washingtonpost.com