Florida Senate Hopeful Angie Nixon Stands by Controversial Portraits in ‘Cafe Resistance’

When Angie Nixon launched “Cafe Resistance” in Jacksonville last year, she imagined a quiet nook where Black readers could gather, learn, and organize. Instead, the wall of portraits she chose to hang has turned the space into a lightning rod for critics.

In a recent interview, Nixon—who is running as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) candidate for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat against Republican Sen. Ashley Moody—defended each image, describing them as “civil‑rights leaders” whose stories have been scrubbed from mainstream textbooks.

Among the framed faces are Assata Shakur, Angela Davis, and other activists who, the campaign says, were either imprisoned or accused of violent acts for challenging the system. Nixon acknowledges the controversy, noting that Shakur is often labeled a “cop killer,” but she insists the label oversimplifies a complex history.

“I opened this space because freedoms are being attacked,” Nixon told reporters in 2024. “There were no safe places for us to be, so I wanted a spot where anyone could feel welcome, learn the real history, and build power together.”

Critics, including Sen. Moody’s campaign, argue that celebrating people on FBI most‑wanted lists is a tacit endorsement of violence. In response, Nixon said the café is a place for honest conversation, not glorification.

“History is messy,” she said, smiling wryly. “We can’t pretend it’s all neat and tidy. We have to confront the ugly parts, too, because that’s how we understand where we come from.”

Financially, the café‑bookstore is a labor of love. Nixon admits she has poured her own money into the venture, noting that sales have yet to cover operating costs. “It’s not a profit‑making business,” she explained. “It’s a safe space where we can study, meet, and organize.”

Earlier this month, an unidentified individual—whom Nixon described as a “heckler” allegedly sent by the Moody campaign—entered the café during a press event and shouted that she was “celebrating cop‑killers.” Nixon remained composed, replying that the pictures are part of a broader effort to teach a version of Black history that textbooks often omit.

She also recited a quote from Shakur during a church rally: “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.” The line, drawn from a speech made decades ago, encapsulates the message Nixon hopes to spread.

Whether voters see the murals as a bold statement of cultural pride or a reckless endorsement of criminality will likely shape the final stretch of the Senate race. What’s clear is that Nixon isn’t backing down; she plans to keep the walls as they are, inviting Floridians to decide for themselves what constitutes “true history.”