Angie Nixon Defends Cafe Portraits of Controversial Figures

Democratic candidate Angie Nixon, who is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Florida against incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody. Recently, she defended the display of portraits featuring figures like Assata Shakur, described by some as a “civil rights” leader, in her cafe and bookstore, “Cafe Resistance.”

Nixon explained that she started “Cafe Resistance” in Jacksonville to provide a safe space for people amid what she feels are attacks on freedoms. She expressed concern that her opponents are attempting to suppress truthful historical education, particularly regarding black history.

“I wanted to open the space so everyone can feel welcome, and so we can organize and build power,” she stated. Nixon voiced her excitement about being part of this movement and emphasized that her cafe is available for those looking to foster community and empowerment.

However, she’s facing scrutiny for showcasing portraits of individuals she considers civil rights leaders, including Shakur, who has been associated with violent acts. In a recent interview, Nixon acknowledged that her bookstore isn’t profitable, revealing that she sometimes has to contribute her own funds to keep it operational.

“I opened up a black-owned bookstore,” she remarked. “It isn’t making money. Honestly, I sometimes have to put more money into it. But it’s a space for learning our history, meeting, and power-building.” She also accused her opponent, Sen. Moody, of sending a heckler to disrupt her press conference and criticize the individuals displayed on her walls.

“I had a heckler sent by Ashley Moody who came into my shop while I was addressing the press and tried to trash talk about the portraits I feature,” Nixon recounted. “These are civil rights leaders who’ve faced severe accusations—some have been tried or convicted for robbery or even the killing of police officers. It’s complex.”

She continued, “Not all of them are guilty, right? Maybe they maintain their innocence. A lot of people do.” This suggests a sort of uncertainty in her beliefs or a peaceful ambiguity in the narrative surrounding these figures.

Nixon cited Shakur and Angela Davis as examples of those depicted in her cafe, mentioning the backlash she received for it. “It’s about history. We need to learn our history,” she asserted.

She added that history isn’t always neat but is essential to understand. Nixon reiterated her point: “Some parts of history are good, some are bad, some messy, some ugly. All of this needs to be learned. We can’t just teach a sanitized version; we need to share the truth about resistance, even if it led to incarceration.”

This perspective aligns with her past remarks where she has quoted Shakur, who, under her birth name, Joanne Chesimard, was once on the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists. During a church event, Nixon shared Shakur’s famous words: “It is our duty to fight for our freedom. It is our duty to win. We must love and protect one another. We have nothing to lose but our chains.”