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Hollywood producer Will Packer is officially backing Florida gubernatorial candidate David Jolly. During an appearance at Florida A&M University’s homecoming “Set Friday” event, Packer, who is also a FAMU graduate, voiced his support for Jolly, a Democrat, and his running mate, Gwen Graham.
“I didn't want to miss this opportunity amongst all my people celebrating fellowship to say, ‘Hey, while we're having a good time, we're under attack,’” Packer shared with Roland Martin during his “Unfiltered” show. “We're under attack by an administration that has been a clown show.”
Packer added, “You elect clowns, you get a circus. And it has been a circus, and now, we have an opportunity to do something historic.
Adoration for his alma mater is what Packer says fueled his desire to discuss the importance of voting this year.
“And I wanted to make sure, especially with Florida A&M University where there has been one candidate who has said, ‘I'm going to do what I can if I get to the governor's office to try to support this university which has been historically underfunded,’ I would be remiss if I didn't go to a place that bears my name at a university that I love and give him that platform because right now you're either registered to vote or you're not,” said Packer, referring to Jolly’s previous comments about FAMU being owed $2.1 billion in state funding.
Packer also touched on Jolly’s Republican opponent, Byron Donalds, who attended FAMU before transferring to Florida State University. Earlier this month, FAMU hosted a townhall meeting with Donalds. Packer and Martin criticized Donalds for not advocating for FAMU’s funding.
“There was a group that sent out a questionnaire to all the gubernatorial candidates and said, ‘What would you do for Florida A&M University?’ You know who didn't answer it at all? Byron Donalds,” said Packer. “He did not even answer the question there. David Jolly went, answered it, engaged, and said, ‘I'm going to do what I can to work with that Legislature to get that $2.1 billion that has been historically underfunded and owed, not new money, owed to Florida A&M,’” Packer said.
For those who support Donalds, Packer reminded them of a very simple but common phrase.
“All skin folk ain’t kinfolk,” Packer said. “Vote for your interest. That's it. I'm telling people who don't know the candidate, I'm saying don't vote for them. Vote for you. Vote for the person who has your interest at heart. I don't care what they look like.”
This is not the first time Packer has voiced his support for Jolly and Graham. On Aug. 29, Packer posted a Jolly campaign video on his Facebook page.
“There is only one candidate for Governor of Florida who has committed to securing FAMU the funds and resources owed,” he captioned his post. “Only one candidate who is willing to address the $2B that the State unlawfully withheld from our great institution. Only one - DAVID JOLLY. FAMU it’s time to stand up for someone who is willing to stand for us. Don’t be distracted. Pay attention to who is actually FOR US.”
Packer also announced his support of the Rattler Freedom Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports FAMU administrators, students, staff and faculty through scholarships and grants.
“We are launching an independent organization to raise money so that we can be
independent,” Packer said. “I don't care who's in the governor's mansion. FAMU needs its own support system and so many public HBCUs.”
The official launch of the fund kicks off on Nov. 20. To learn more about the Rattler Freedom Fund go to www.rattlerfreedomfund.com/.
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