Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and commend Mr. T. Willard Fair, a visionary and community activist, whose distinguished and unprecedented leadership as President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Miami for fifty years broke down racial and discriminatory barriers in employment, education, and housing for African-Americans. His leadership transformed the climate of exclusion in South Florida in the 1960s and ushered in new era of inclusion and social change. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mr. Fair has dedicated his professional career to

promoting the interest and well-being of the African-American

community, and as president and CEO of the Urban League of

Greater Miami lead campaigns that successfully integrated

corporations and businesses, and public and private volunteer

organizations, in Miami, desegregated public housing in Dade

County, and worked to make affordable housing available

through countless construction and rehabilitation projects;

Whereas, Mr. Fair is deeply committed to solving complex

problems, ranging from unemployment to illiteracy, that

plague our community and offering solutions through expert

ana]ysis, publications in the Miami Herald, Miami Magazine,

and Tropic Magazine, and through interviews with 60 Minutes,

the Tom Brokaw Show, and Ebony Magazine;

Whereas, Mr. Fair has demonstrated superior capabilities in

community development while providing dynamic leadership over

the Urban League of Greater Miami, which strives to improve

the lives of individuals and families through employment,

childcare, senior citizen services, housing, economic

development, training, community service, political advocacy,

and education;

Whereas, Mr. Fair co-founded Florida's first charter

school, and has served as an adjunct professor at the Atlanta

University School of Social Work, Bethune-Cookman University,

Florida International University, and the National Urban

League's Whitney M. Young, Jr. Center for Urban Leadership;

Whereas, Mr. Fair's excellence in education, leadership,

and service has been recognized by various organizations

through awards, accolades, and appointments, including former

Secretary of State Colin Powell's Advisory Committee on

Cultural Affairs, President Obama's Commission on White House

Fellowships--Miami Regional Selection Panel, the United

States' Advisory Committee on Cultural Affairs, and a tenure

as past chairperson of the Florida State Board of 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,

commend Mr. T. Willard Fair for his unwavering commitment and

faithful service to our community, state and country, and the

Urban League of Greater Miami.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and commend Mrs. LaVerne M. Roundtree, faithful servant of God, loving mother and grandmother, and a dutiful member of A.M. Cohen Temple Church of God in Christ for 67 years. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Roundtree serves as Church Mother at A.M.

Cohen Temple Church of God in Christ;

Whereas, Mrs. Roundtree is co-leader and an advisor at

large to the congregation;

Whereas, Mrs. Roundtree is a role model to the women of the

church;

Whereas, Mrs. Roundtree has served as president of the

hospitality department, and is the general chairperson of the

Unity Day Program, the Pastor's Anniversary Celebration and

the Pastor's Sendoff program, which coincides with the annual

convention in St. Louis, Missouri; 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 Church Mother LaVerne M. Roundtree for her is

unwavering commitment and faithful service to her family and,

friends, and her church.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor retiring City of North Miami Beach Councilman Philippe Derose, a pioneer, a well-respected community leader, activist and public servant.

Mr. Derose was the first Haitian-American to be elected to political office in Miami-Dade County. In 1993, he was elected to serve as a councilman for the Village of El Portal, giving voice to the burgeoning Haitian-American community in South Florida. Seven years later, Councilman Derose was elected Mayor of the Village of El Portal. In 2003, he was appointed Councilman in the City of North Miami Beach, paving the way for other Haitian-Americans to enter the political arena in South Florida and across the country.

Councilman Derose believed not only in building up communities through economic development but also through beautification as a

way of encouraging residents to take pride and ownership in their neighborhoods. His passion for green space and trees resulted in numerous awards from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the City of North Miami Beach.

Councilman Derose has also worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the youth in our community, through the Haitian-American Alliance Youth Foundation, the non-profit organization he serves as President of and founded. Councilman Derose has also sponsored and spearheaded numerous hurricane relief efforts over the years to help the people of Haiti.

Born in Haiti, and one of nine children, Councilman Derose dreamed of coming to America in search of a better life. In 1974, he moved with his wife Marie to New York where he enrolled in the high school equivalency program, attended York College and obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology from California Coast University.

Councilman Derose's life story should serve as an example for all. His determination and triumphs in a foreign country epitomize what the American dream is all about--you can accomplish anything through commitment and hard work.

Please join me in honoring Councilman Philippe Derose, for his dedication, contributions and tireless service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Miss Aja Watkins, Miss Miami Gardens USA 2012, a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for non-violence and goodwill for all people, but particularly for the youth of our country.

Miss Watkins' mission began in response to the tragic death of her cousin, Trayvon Martin, on February 26, 2012. She lived in the same home as Trayvon and was deeply affected by the tragic event, not only because of the bond they shared, but also because of the loss of someone so young and with so much undeveloped promise.

Compelled to take action, Miss Watkins used her grief and personal family tragedy as inspiration to try to make a difference. As she works to bring urgent awareness to the crucial, critical importance of non- violence, self-protection and preservation. Miss Watkins also hopes to become a voice of hope and inspiration for adolescents and young adults who face the reality of violence on a daily basis.

As she completes her education, Miss Watkins actively serves as a role model to many young people. In hopes of capturing the crown, gaining greater visibility for her life saving initiative, and to become a mentor and role model for many young people, she works with other delegates and people.

On Friday, July 13, 2013, Miss Watkins competed for the state title at the Miss Florida USA Pageant.

Please join me in honoring Miss Aja Watkins for her commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Ms. Venghan ``Winnie'' Tang, a dedicated community advocate with a powerful voice who has made significant contributions to South Florida and our country, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor:

Whereas, Ms. Tang is a deeply committed activist who has

devoted her professional career to promoting the interests

and well-being of the Asian Pacific American community;

Whereas, Ms. Tang has enriched the lives of countless South

Floridians by administering after-school tutoring programs,

encouraging voter registration and census participation, and

advocating for immigration reform, legal and civil rights,

homeless reform, healthcare, and women's affairs;

Whereas, Ms. Tang was the first Asian American to serve on

the Miami-Dade County Democratic Executive Committee, and has

organized voter registration drives and ``Get Out the Vote''

campaigns in the Asian community;

Whereas, Ms. Tang's excellence in leadership, advocacy,

non-profit work, and community service has been recognized by

various organizations through awards, accomplishments, and

appointments, including chairing the Asian-American Steering

Committee, leading to the creation of the Asian-American

Advisory Board in Miami-Dade County, being the first Chinese

American woman to receive the Miami-Dade County Park &

Recreation Department's in the Company of Women Award in

2002, receiving the Florida Minority Reinvestment Community

Coalition's Minority Advocacy Award in 2006, and receiving

the Inaugural Honors Award Saluting South Florida's 21st

Century Educators by Miami Gardens Excellence in Education

Council (MGEEC) in 2013; 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 Ms. Venghan ``Winnie'' Tang for her years of

commitment and faithful service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to pay tribute to and honor the life and legacy of the late Pastor James Frederick ``Rick'' Hines, Jr., a well-respected man of God, spiritual leader and mentor, loving son, husband and father, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

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, 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

dedications to his family, his church and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Reverend and Mayor Eric H. Jones, Jr., a true man of God and his community, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Whereas, Reverend Eric H. Jones. Jr., is the founder and

Senior Pastor of Koinonia Worship Center and Village, which

started with six members and has grown to a congregation of

6,000;

Whereas, Reverend Jones has committed his life to spreading

the Word of God and built a ministry that meets the

spiritual, physical, and social needs of the community;

Whereas, Reverend Jones has reached beyond the sanctuary of

Koinonia to nourish souls, feed the hungry, shelter the

homeless, and uplift the poor and underserved through the

church's outreach ministries;

Whereas, Reverend Jones has established Youth ministries

that prove guidance and mentorship to our most vulnerable and

at-risk youth, and produce more college-bound students;

Whereas, Reverend Jones' focus on economic empowerment is

building stronger and thriving neighborhoods;

Whereas, Reverend Jones was elected the first Mayor of West

Park and serving his third term as Mayor of Broward County's

31st city;

Whereas, Reverend Jones has received numerous award and

accolades for his humanitarianism and public service work

which included: the MLK Celebration Committee's Martin Luther

King Faith Leadership Award, the Urban League of Broward

County's Thurgood Marshall Advocacy Award, the NAACP's

Criminal Justice Image Award, the Florida Department of

Juvenile Justice Volunteer Recognition Award, a Certificate

of Recognition from the Broward Sheriffs Office's Feed the

Needy Program, the 2006 Man of the Year recognition by the

Broward County Business and Professional Women's Network; 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 Reverend and Mayor

Eric H. Jones, Jr., for his unwavering commitment to God, his

family and his church, and for his selfless dedication as a

public servant to improving the quality of life for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church for 50 years of service to the City of Miami, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in its honor:

Whereas, Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church was founded

in 1963 and has been a leader in our community spreading the

Word of God;

Whereas, Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church's outreach

ministries have for decades extended a helping hand to those

in need, restoring hope and dignity in their darkest hour;

Whereas, Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church's

commitment to empowering people has provided the community

with an enriching place of worship for anyone seeking

spiritual edification;

Whereas, Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church is rich in

tradition and history, and has played a major role in shaping

and fostering relationships between the church, the community

and local government;

Whereas, Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church continues

to be a beacon of light, hope and faith in South Florida; 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 Valley Grove Missionary Baptist Church, under the

leadership of Elder Johnnie L. Robinson, for 50 years of

service, dedication and commitment, to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend 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, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Whereas, Mr. Williams has received numerous awards and

accolades for his enthusiastic performance during his tenure

including perfect attendance, achieving over 1,500 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 recognize and commend the late Mrs. Gussie Mae Hall of Miami, Florida, an exceptional woman who has left an enduring legacy of humbleness, kindness and strength, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor:

Whereas, Mrs. Hall was a tireless supporter of local

African-American elected officials, and actively engaged in

the democratic process by educating members of the community

on the importance of the right to vote and encouraging their

registration and participation;

Whereas, Mrs. Hall was a lifelong resident of South Florida

who was born in Homestead, Florida, formally educated in the

Miami-Dade County Public School system, and worked through

her church, He Reigns Interdenominational Ministries,

Incorporated, to improve our community;

Whereas, Mrs. Hall was an outstanding citizen, wife, mother

and friend; 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. Gussie Mae Hall for her years of loving

and faithful service to her family, her church, and our

community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend Dr. Freeman T. Wyche, Sr., an inspirational man of God and a revered spiritual leader in the Miami's Liberty City community, who has served as Senior Minister of the Liberty City Church of Christ for thirty-five years, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Whereas, Dr. Wyche is dedicated to his church and to his

community, having chaired and served on the boards of many

civic and educational organizations in Miami-Dade County and

the State of Florida;

Whereas, Dr. Wyche was mentored by the late renowned Dr.

Marshall Keeble, and has earned several degrees from the

University of Houston, New York Theological Seminary, and

Faith College;

Whereas, Dr. Wyche provided an invaluable service to his

country having served as an air traffic controller and a

hospital administrator in the United States Air Force, and

achieving the rank of Master Sergeant before retiring at

Homestead Air Force Base in 1990;

Whereas, Dr. Wyche's unwavering devotion to God has been

evidenced by his decades of ministration, teaching,

evangelizing, and counseling across the Nation and around the

world; 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 Dr. Freeman T. Wyche, Sr. for his years of faithful

service to his family, his church, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Gwendolyn Mae Heastie Welters, an exceptional woman who has left an enduring legacy of compassion, enthusiasm, and service in her community.

Mrs. Welters approached life with a community-oriented focus and a generous spirit. As an educator and an administrator with Miami-Dade County Schools, for 40 years, she touched the lives of hundreds of students and advocated tirelessly to improve Miami-Dade County's educational system and provide access to a quality education.

As entrepreneurs, Mrs. Welters and her late husband Warren Welters provided employment opportunities for high school students in Miami's Brownsville community by hiring them at their family-owned business, Brownsville Pharmacy. She also encouraged the youth to give back to their communities through service.

Often referred to as a petite ``little giant,'' her kind heart and passion for service was limitless and often recognized by the many organizations she was affiliated with such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she was a Golden Soror, Life Member, and past president of Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter in Miami. Mrs. Welters was a Platinum member of The Links, Incorporated, served as National Director of International Trends and Services, and was a ``Links of Gold'' Honoree for the Greater Miami Chapter in 2005. She was also an active member of the Black Archives History and Research Foundation, Inc., and a recipient of the Miami-Dade County Woman of Impact Award (2006) and the Leroy Thompson Pioneer Award by the Miami-Dade Chapter of NAACP (2007).

Born April 30, 1924, Mrs. Welters grew up in the historic and culturally rich Overtown community in Miami. She earned a B.S. degree in Business Education from Florida A&M University, a master's degree from Columbia University Teachers Co]lege in New York City, and completed further graduate work at the University of Miami and Barry University.

Please join me in honoring Mrs. Gwendolyn Mae Heastie Welters, posthumously, for her commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, to commend and honor Dr. Edward J. Braynon, Jr., a dedicated community-servant, civil rights activist, role model, and mentor, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Whereas, Dr. Braynon has been a loyal and faithful member

of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. for sixty-eight years and

has served as Basileus of Sigma Alpha Chapter, Florida's

State Representative, First Vice Seventh Representative

(Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi), Seventh District

Representative, First Vice Grand Basileus, and Grand

Basileus;

Whereas, Dr, Braynon's leadership, vision and integrity

have played a vital role in building, binding and

strengthening Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma Alpha

Chapter. He is credited with remaining steadfast to enhancing

and promoting the organization's principles of Manhood,

Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift;

Whereas, Dr. Braynon as Grand Basileus of Sigma Alpha

Chapter played a key role in a massive ``Get Out The Vote,''

initiative where Omega chapters around the country were

actively involved and helped win Jimmy Carter the presidency

with the largest black vote in history and landed Dr. Braynon

an invitation along with several other Black leaders to a

``White House Luncheon'';

Whereas, Dr. Braynon touched and impacted the lives of

countless young men as a mentor with the 5000 Role Models of

Excellence Project and won the admiration and respect of our

community for his activism and community service;

Whereas, Dr. Braynon used his dental skills to meet the

needs of our community, served as a member of the Dental

Society providing leadership and guidance to new generations

of dental professionals, and was a member of numerous civic

and community organizations dedicated to the betterment of

the quality of life for South Floridians; 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

proud to recognize and honor Dr. Edward J. Braynon, Jr. for

his unwavering commitment to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.,

community service, our youth, and his profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of Caribbean-Americans to South Florida and the Nation through the arts and humanities, business, science and engineering, activism, and military leadership as we celebrate the 8th anniversary of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation in honor of National Caribbean Heritage Month:

Whereas, the President of the United States of America,

Barack Obama, has issued the annual proclamation in 2013

recognizing June as National Caribbean-American Heritage

Month;

Whereas, National Caribbean-American Heritage Month

recognizes the significance

of Caribbean people in U.S. history, and the influence of

Caribbean people and their descendants on American culture;

Whereas, South Florida is home to many Caribbean-Americans

who make up a large percent of the population;

Whereas, Caribbean-Americans have played a major and

notable role in the growth and development of South Florida,

from holding public office, prominent positions in education

and religion, to owning successful businesses and being vocal

community activists; 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, and who also has Caribbean roots, am

proud to recognize the contributions of Caribbean-Americans

to South Florida and to our country. I encourage all

residents to celebrate the rich culture of the Caribbean

during National Caribbean-American Heritage Month.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mr. Clarance ``Pat'' Patterson, a devoted public servant, union representative, husband, father, and friend, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor:

Whereas, Mr. Patterson's career as a Waste Management

expert, City Manager and Union Representative spanned sixty

years;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson held the position of Superintendent

of the Department of Solid Waste for Metropolitan Dade

County, was appointed the first Black director for the City

of Miami's Solid Waste Department and held the position of

Assistant Manager for the city of Miami;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson also served as City Manager for the

cities of North Miami and Opa locka; Assistant City Manager

of Miami Springs, Director of Solid Waste and Public Works;

and Director of Solid Waste and Public Works for the city of

South Miami;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson was an advocate for city, county and

state employees and served as an international staff

representative for the American Federation of State, County,

and Municipal Employees (AFL-CIO) for seven years;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson was a faithful and active member of

the King of Hearts and the Kiwanis Club, Greater Bethel

African Methodist Episcopal Church and Universal Truth

Center; 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 Mr. Clarance ``Pat'' Patterson

for his unwavering commitment and dedication to his family,

his church, and our community.