Frederica S. Wilson

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize the grand reopening of the Haitian Historical Museum and Archives in North Miami, Florida and commend the efforts of The Haitian-American Historical Society (HAHS). I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, The Haitian Historical Museum and Archives--

through artifact, paintings, photography and performances--

tells the story of Haiti's history and rich culture;

Whereas, The Haitian Historical Museum and Archives

documents and showcases the contributions of Haitians and

Haitian descendants to South Florida, the United States and

other parts of the world;

Whereas, The Haitian Historical Museum and Archives serves

to educate future generations of Haitian-Americans about

their heritage and build a connection to Haiti;

Whereas, The Haitian Historical Museum and Archives serves

to foster understanding, tolerance and cooperation between

South Florida's diverse communities; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida,

commend the Haitian American Historical Society for

preserving Haitian history and fostering a resurgence of

interest in Haitian culture among South Floridians.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee for his philanthropy and commitment to at-risk youth. On behalf of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, I am proud to present a Congressional Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and dedication to Miami-Dade County.

Each year, we have the privilege of acknowledging distinguished Role Model Mentors, and it is with great pleasure that I congratulate him on joining this esteemed group. His status as a graduate of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project underscores the ideals we uphold. His leadership as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission has been crucial in advancing equitable policies that empower our youth. His efforts to create opportunities for education and mentorship demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by many in our community.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project shares his vision of uplifting future leaders. His collaboration with local organizations and schools has created essential pathways for success, instilling hope in our youth. His commitment serves as an inspiration not only to those he mentors but also to his colleagues and constituents. We recognize his achievements and extend our gratitude for his tireless work to enhance the quality of life in Miami-Dade County. I congratulate him on this well-deserved honor. We look forward to our continued partnership in developing the next generation of leaders.

We now recognize Role Model Miami-Dade Commissioner Mr. Kionne L. McGhee as a distinguished role model. As a proud alumnus of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Program, Mr. McGhee has successfully transformed from a past characterized by challenges to becoming one of the program's most accomplished and dedicated mentors. In his capacity as Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission, his leadership has been pivotal in advancing policies that foster equity, education, and empowerment for all community members.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great State of Florida, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Leona Cooper-Baker, a lifelong resident of the City of Miami's Coconut Grove neighborhood. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Leona Louise Cooper was born on December 26, 1936.

She is a proud descendant of Miami's original Bahamian

settlers, and her life was a testament to the rich history

and enduring legacy of Miami's newly designated Little

Bahamas of Coconut Grove neighborhood; and

Whereas, she was one of nine children born to parents who

migrated to Miami from Eleuthera, Bahamas, and she lived her

entire life in the City of Coral Gables' Golden Gate

subdivision, known for their historic Bahamian bungalow and

shotgun wood frame style houses, in a home built on the land

where her parents first settled; and

Whereas, after graduating from George Washington Carver

School in 1954. Mrs. Cooper-Baker pursued higher education at

Lincoln University of Missouri, earning a degree in

Elementary Education in 1960; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker dedicated over three decades of

her life to educating the youth of Miami-Dade County,

beginning her career at Rainbow Park Elementary School in

Opa-Locka, continuing at Bunche Park and George Washington

Carver, and concluding her distinguished service, in 1992 at

Shenandoah Elementary, where she retired; and

Whereas, affectionately known as the ``Coconut Grove

Historian,'' Mrs. Cooper-Baker was a passionate advocate for

the preservation of Black and Bahamian history in Coconut

Grove and Coral Gables' compiling an extensive archive of

historic photographs, books, and articles that document the

rich cultural heritage of the community; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker's contributions to historic

preservation extended to her leadership roles with the Miami/

Bahamas Goombay Festival's Historical Committee, the

Historical Museum of Southern Florida, the Coral Gables

Museum, and the Black Archives, ensuring that the stories of

Coconut Grove's pioneers would be preserved for future

generations; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker played an instrumental role in

securing the designation of Coral Gables MacFarlane Homestead

Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places

and served as a member of the Coral Gables Historic

Preservation Board; and

Whereas, her tireless work to preserve the history of the

Little Bahamas neighborhood, Golden Gate subdivision, and the

broader Coconut Grove community has left an indelible mark,

earning her widespread respect and admiration; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cooper-Baker was preceded in death by her

parents and siblings, and she is survived by numerous

cousins, nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including her

beloved niece Clarice Cooper, president of the Coconut Grove

Village West Homeowners and Tenants Association; and

Whereas, the Coconut Grove community and all who were

touched by her life will forever cherish the memory of her

generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the

preservation of history and education; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a member of the United States House of Representatives

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am

honored to recognize the life of Leona Louise Cooper-Baker,

extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and

loved ones, and honor her immeasurable contributions to the

community and to the preservation of Black and Bahamian

history and culture.