Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Haitian Heritage Museum. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum is an integral part of

our community, embodying and preserving Haiti's rich culture

and heritage;

Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum has given Haitian art

a permanent and prominent place in South Florida's art

community;

Whereas the Haitian Heritage Museum's scholarship program

provides deserving students an opportunity to further their

education and perfect their talent as artists;

Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum will honor community

leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to Haitian

heritage and culture during its 9th Annual Discover Haiti

Gala on Saturday, February 23rd;

Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum will present the

Father Jean Juste Visionary Award, named after the visionary

leader who advocated for human rights and social justice on

behalf of Haiti's poor;

Whereas Father Jean Juste is widely regarded as the

``Godfather'' of Miami's Little Haiti community; 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--

1. Recognize the tremendous contributions of the Haitian

Heritage Museum to South Florida;

2. Affirm the importance of promoting and preserving

Haitian art and culture; and

3. Honor the recipients of the Father Jean Juste Visionary

Award.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the life of the late Mrs. Mattie Mae Paul, a faithful servant of God, a community activist--who lived in the district for 57 years--a beloved mother and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Mrs. Mattie Mae Paul, an inspiration to all who knew her,

returned to school at the age of 59 fulfilling a lifelong

dream to further her education by earning her AA Degree in

Education; and

Whereas, Mrs. Paul, after her retirement from Saint Francis

Hospital following a 23-year career, went to work for Miami-

Dade County Public Schools at Henry E.S. Reeves Elementary

School; and

Whereas, Mrs. Paul was an active member of New Shiloh

Missionary Baptist Church for 40 years, where she was active

with the Mission Ministry, Music Ministry/Mass Choir, Usher

Ministry, Woman's Ministry and was an assistant Sunday School

Teacher; 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 pay tribute to the late Mrs. Mattie Mae Paul, for

her commitment to God and her church, and for her dedication

and devotion to her family, friends and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today, to pay tribute to the late Pastor James Frederick ``Rick'' Hines, Jr., a well-respected man of God, spiritual leader and mentor, loving son, husband and father. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas Pastor Hines was a passionate and beloved youth

pastor, at Koinonia Worship Center and Village, who was

dedicated to spreading the Word of God;

Whereas Pastor Hines devoted countless hours to mentoring

young people and often credited the church's success with its

youth, to practicing the teachings of one of his favorite

Bible verses Proverbs 22:6: ``Train up a child in the way he

should go and when he is old he will not depart from it;''

Whereas Pastor Hines served his country dutifully as a

soldier in the United States Army from 1977 to 1979;

Whereas Pastor Hines was a lifelong resident of South

Florida who loved his community and worked to make it a

better place to live; 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 honor

the life and legacy of the late Pastor James Frederick

``Rick'' Hines, Jr. and commend him for his commitment and

dedication to his family, his church and our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor retired mail clerk, Mr. Matthew Williams Jr., an ardent and honorable member of the United States Postal Service for 32 years, who began his career as a truck driver before rising through the ranks to become a mail clerk. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mr. Williams has received numerous awards and

accolades for his enthusiastic performance during his tenure

including perfect attendance, achieving over 1500 hours of

sick leave, and a dedication to service award;

Whereas Mr. Williams provided an invaluable service to his

country as a member of the United States Army in both Vietnam

and Korea achieving the rank of Sergeant before being

honorably discharged in 1975;

Whereas Mr, Williams' unwavering devotion to God has been

evidenced by his ministration as Deacon, Assistant

Superintendent of Sunday School, and Usher at Greater New

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church;

Whereas, Mr. Williams has been the loving and devoted

husband of Sandra Williams for 37 years, father of Senior

Master Chief Heerey C. Gaston, Jr., Tameka W. Jones, Monique

W. Deggins, and Matthew B. Williams III, and grandfather of

nine grandchildren; 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 Mr. Matthew Williams, Jr. for his years of commitment

and faithful service to his country, his community, and his

family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ray Mou. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mr. Ray Mou, Director General of Taipei Economic

and Cultural Office (TECO), in Miami since September 2010,

has overseen trade relations between Florida and Taiwan that

have improved by 20 percent with an average bilateral trade

volume of more than $817 Million;

Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked closely with the Taiwanese

Chambers of Commerce in Florida to explore and develop

business opportunities, such as trade missions between Miami

entrepreneurs and Taiwan;

Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked to strengthen relations between

Taiwan and Miami political and business leaders by

coordinating annual visits;

Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked to foster a relationship

between 32 universities to promote language and cultural

learning programs offered at the Taiwan Academy;

Whereas, Mr. Mou has taken an active role in Haiti's

reconstruction after the earthquake by taking part in

humanitarian aid projects of the international charity NGO

``Food for the Poor,''

Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked to educate South Floridians

about Asian culture through Chinese gourmet cuisines,

traditional artistries and Taiwanese products;

Whereas, Mr, Mou has spent the past three years working to

promote a strong and lasting business relationship not just

in South Florida but across the state; 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 Mr, Ray Mou, Director General of Miami's Taipei

Economic and Cultural Office, for his commitment to our

community's economic, educational and humanitarian growth

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the life of the late Pastor Jeffrey N. Hamilton, a faithful servant of God, an advocate for education, community activist, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, in 1991, as a member of Mt. Tabor Missionary

Baptist Church, Pastor Jeffrey Hamilton was called into the

ministry. After moving his membership to Mt. Olive Missionary

Baptist Church, he was ordained to teach the word of God and

went on to serve as the youth minister at Greater Peace

Missionary Baptist Church. In 2006, he was called to pastor

at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church and then went on to

establish his own church, the New Life Christian Worship

Center Family in Miami's Liberty City; and

Whereas Pastor Hamilton was considered a beacon of light by

his congregation and his community, and was affectionately

called ``Coach Ham'' by the thousands of children he worked

with through numerous community organizations including the

Children of Inmates and The Drug Free Coalition, the Miami

Dade County School Board, the Healthy Mind Healthy Heart

Program, the Hosanna Community Baptist Church Foundation and

the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project; and

Whereas Pastor Hamilton believed that education is an

essential building block to success and, as a strong believer

in the expression ``practice what you preach,'' went back to

school to further his education and pursed a Master's Degree

in Divinity and Special Education from St. Thomas University

and from Nova University; and

Whereas Pastor Hamilton's passion for students was

unmatched and he touched the lives of elementary, middle and

high school students across Miami-Dade; 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 pay tribute to the late Pastor Jeffrey Hamilton,

for his passion and devotion to God, his church, to our

students and community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the life of the late Reverend Shedrick Edward Gilbert, dutiful servant of God, well respected and admired religious leader, community activist, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Reverend Gilbert served Historic Saint Agnes

Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida, for 57 years before his

retirement in 2012 from the Deaconate and active ministry at

age 90; and

Whereas Reverend Gilbert served in various roles at St.

Agnes Episcopal Church which include, Vestryman, Treasurer

and Clerk and the Deaconate; and

Whereas, Reverend Gilbert dedicated his life to the

ministry, his church and to helping his community by

advocating for support and funding from the City of Miami

Commission for St. Agnes' Rainbow Village Community

Development Corporation, a housing development program for

Miami's Overtown community; and

Whereas Reverend Gilbert served as Director of St. Agnes'

Rainbow Village Community Development Corporation and

coordinated an eight-week Summer Program for the youth in the

Overtown area; and

Whereas, Reverend Gilbert served on several committees for

the Diocese of Southeast Florida, including the Credentials

Committee for 13 years, served as president of the Algonquin

Club and president of the Booker T. Washington Class of 1938;

and

Whereas Reverend Gilbert was presented with numerous awards

among them the Unsung Hero award from the Booker T.

Washington Alumni Association and the Man of the Year award

for outstanding community service from the King of Clubs of

Greater Miami; 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 late Reverend Shedrick Edward Gilbert for his

commitment to God and spreading God's message, for his

devotion to his family and his congregation and for his

dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor retiring United Teachers of Dade, Union President Karen Aronowitz for her leadership and dedication to our students, teachers, parents and schools. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas Karen Aronowitz served three terms as President of

United Teachers of Dade (UTD), represented 32,000 teachers

and education support professionals, led successful reform

initiatives, including the School Improvement Zone for

underperforming schools within the Miami-Dade County Public

Schools system, which served as a national model for improved

school performance;

Whereas, Mrs. Aronowitz created professional improvement

and development programs for educators through the

establishment UTD's Education Summit and the UTD Teaching

Excellence Foundation;

Whereas, Mrs. Aronowitz has been featured in numerous

national publications, such as The Wall Street Journal and

Who's Who among American Teachers, for her work and research

in education, for which she has also received several awards

including the Jewish Museum of Florida's ``Breaking the Glass

Ceiling Award, the Monty Trainer Chairman's Award for

Speaking UP for Public Education and honored as a ``Trail

Blazer for Education by the Bethune-Cookman University Miami-

Dade Alumni Association;

Whereas, Mrs. Aronowitz serves on the American Federation

of Teachers Executive Council, is a member of AFT's Human

Rights and Community Relations Committee and Democracy

Committee, serves on the United Way of Miami-Dade Public

Policy Committee and is a member of the Miami-Chapter of the

NAACP; 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 Karen Aronowitz for her dedication and commitment to

our students, our teachers, our parents and our schools.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor life of the late Mrs. Maria H. Arenas, beloved educator, wife, and mother who passed away on June 21, 2013. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas Mrs. Arenas was an enthusiastic educator and

administrator in the Miami-Dade County Public School system

for over thirty years until her retirement in summer of 2006;

Whereas, Mrs. Arenas was a lifelong devotee to the pursuit

of knowledge, earning her high school degree from Miami

Northwestern High School in 1965, a Bachelor of Science

degree in Speech and Theater Arts from Florida Agricultural &

Mechanical University, a Master's of Science degree in

Educational Curriculum, and had, at the time of her passing,

completed all of the required coursework toward earning a

Doctoral degree in Education;

Whereas Mrs. Arenas travelled extensively around the world

and allowed others to share in her experiences through social

media websites;

Whereas Mrs. Arenas was a vibrant member of the Red Hatters

and numerous other civic and social organizations; 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 Mrs. Maria H. Arenas for her years of service and

dedication to Miami-Dade County Public Schools, her

community, and to her family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Ms. Marie Boswell on her retirement from the Department of Juvenile Justice after 47 years of distinguished service with the State of Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Ms. Boswell dedicated her life to serving others

very early in her professional career. In 1971, upon

graduating from the esteemed Miami Northwestern Senior High

School, Ms. Boswell began working for the Florida Office of

Vocational Rehabilitation where she assisted people with

disabilities find meaningful careers to enhance their

independence; and

Whereas, in 1975, Ms. Boswell continued pursuing her career

in public interest work when she joined the Florida

Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. There, Ms.

Boswell discovered her passion for assisting youth and

families by ensuring their needs were met and connecting them

with support services; and

Whereas, Ms. Boswell committed to changing the perilous

trajectory of troubled youth when she joined the Florida

Department of Juvenile Justice in 1994. As a Delinquency

Prevention Specialist with the Office of Prevention and

Victim Services, Ms. Boswell advised and implemented juvenile

justice programs to address the emerging needs of Florida's

at-risk youth in various judicial circuits throughout South

Florida; and

Whereas, Marie Boswell's passion for children and her

commitment to their safety and success is truly admirable.

The State of Florida owes a debt of gratitude for the 47

years she has invested in uplifting her community; and

Whereas, Marie Boswell now looks forward to spending more

quality time with her loved ones following retirement, which

includes her beloved two children and two precious

grandchildren.

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 legacy of a loyal public servant, a

great mother, and a phenomenal woman--Ms. Marie Boswell.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Mamie L. Cutler, a faithful servant of God, a community activist, a loving mother and grandmother, as well as a dutiful member of the Liberty City Church of Christ. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Cutler gave willingly and often to the

children of the Scott Projects,

providing them hot meals and her famous frozen cups at her

family business, Cutler Frozen Cup House; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cutler was a devoted member of the Liberty

City Church of Christ for 75 years, and one of its first

worshipers; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cutler served on the church's Mothers Board

providing leadership and inspiration to the congregation; and

Whereas, Mrs. Cutler believed in a strong tight-knit

community--neighbor looking after neighbor, which is evident

by her 41 year-long friendship with her non-English speaking

neighbor; 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 late Mrs. Mamie L. Cutler for her unwavering

commitment and faithful service to our community, to her

family and friends, and to her church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Masseline Melba Pemberton, a faithful servant of God, a community activist, a loving mother and grandmother, as well as a dutiful member of Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church, I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Pemberton devoted herself to providing food

and clothing for the poor and homeless; and

Whereas, Mrs. Pemberton, a member of the King's Daughters,

carried God's Word to the elderly through her missionary work

at nursing homes and senior citizen centers; and

Whereas, Mrs. Pemberton was an inspiration to and strong

supporter of young women and men in South Florida and around

the country; and

Whereas, Mrs. Pemberton was a constant presence in inner-

city communities pointing out the needs and working to

improve the quality of life for all South Floridians; and

Whereas, Mrs. Pemberton was an active member of her church

Bethany Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she held various

positions including, Deaconess, Teacher for the Youth Sabbath

School and Vacation Bible School; 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 late Mrs. Masseline Melba Pemberton for her

unwavering commitment and faithful service to our community,

to her family and friends, and to her church.