NAACP Florida State President and National Board member Adora Obi Nweze chosen as Florida's Gubernatorial Advisor on Minority Affairs
On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NAACP (Feb. 12), Gov. Charlie Crist called on Nweze, of Miami, to serve as Special Advisor to the Governor on Minority Affairs. Nweze will serve as a representative for the state's minorities by advising Gov. Crist on strategies that will ensure Florida's government is accessible to these populations. The governor's appointment of Nweze is believed to be the first state partnership with the NAACP through an official appointment in the administration.
"Ms. Nweze is a stellar example of the bold, consistent leaders that make the NAACP a driving force for progress in communities across this nation," said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "Her expertise and experience will serve the cause and citizens of Florida well."
Nweze will continue as president of the Florida State Conference of the NAACP. "I applaud Governor Crist's efforts to reach out to all Floridians and work to ensure that every Floridian - regardless of race, color or national origin - has access to quality education and economic opportunity," Nweze said. "I look forward to serving the people of Florida in this unique role."
Gov. Crist announced Nweze's appointment during a civil rights roundtable discussion with leaders of Florida's African American community. The governor invited leaders to provide suggestions for increasing minority access to state government.
"The Sunshine State benefits from its diverse population in many ways, and a wide variety of cultural perspectives gives our state a unique advantage when pursuing economic opportunities in many different markets," Governor Crist said. "Adora will help ensure that my administration is reaching as many of Florida's diverse populations as possible."
Nweze's appointment as special advisor expands the existing partnerships between state agencies and the Florida State Conference of NAACP branches. She will also advise on matters related to the development of minority businesses and equal access to education, health care, housing, government services and criminal justice.
She also serves on the NAACP Special Contribution Fund/Board of Trustees and is the National Chair for the NAACP Afro Cultural Technological Scientific Olympics, ACT-SO, that provides an opportunity for students to compete nationally in science, visual and performing arts, business, and humanities for scholarships, computers and other awards.
After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she was appointed by the NAACP as National Disaster Relief Coordinator and has served as president for the Miami-Dade NAACP for 11 years. A lifetime member of the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP, Nweze is a retired educator with the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and has been an adjunct professor at several universities. She received a bachelor's degree from Fayetteville State University in North Carolina and a master's degree in education from the University of Miami.
