Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor former Miami Heat Power Forward Udonis Haslem, who now holds the history making title of all-time leading rebounder for the Miami Heat franchise, a member of the National Basketball Association.

Udonis Haslem was signed with the Miami Heat as an undrafted free agent in 2003 after playing professional basketball in France for a year. In 2006, Mr. Haslem played a pivotal role in the Miami Heat winning the NBA Championship and again in 2012.

Haslem played college basketball for the University of Florida ``Gators'' from 1998 to 2002. The Gators received NCAA Tournament invitations all four years he was with the team--the first time in the program's history. Haslem ranks third in school history in points scored (1,782) and tenth in rebounds (831). He was inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a ``Gator Great'' in 2012.

Haslem was born in Miami, Florida. He attended Wolfson High School in Jacksonville, Florida, then Miami Senior High School. He helped lead Miami High to state titles in 1997 and 1998.

Haslem, who is also recognized for his charity work within the community, founded The Udonis Haslem Children's Foundation in 2005, which promotes youth development and self-confidence. He is also a mentor with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project founded by Representative Wilson of Florida, to provide mentorship and scholarships to at-risk boys.

Please join me in honoring former Miami Heat Power Forward Udonis Haslem for his commitment and dedication to his community, the Miami Heat franchise, and its fans.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor Minister Gary D. Johnson, a well-respected religious leader and dedicated community and international activist.

Minister Johnson is a member of 93rd Street Community Baptist Church in Miami and has been a lifelong champion for justice and quality of life for all people. He has served as a key liaison between Miami-Dade County's Christian community and local and statewide government officials to create public policy, programs, and coalitions that address the needs and social well-being of our community.

Minister Johnson co-founded the non-profit organization United for Family Values Foundation, and as its director has worked to establish a partnership between community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and residents. The goal being to combat and reduce violence in South Florida's urban communities, find alternatives for at-risk youth, and steer them toward getting an education or seek gainful employment.

Because of his reputation as a consensus builder and his tireless work to strengthen the leadership role of faith-based organizations, Minister Johnson was appointed Faith Outreach Director for the State of Florida for President Barack Obama's 2008 campaign.

To continue the work he began as Faith Outreach Director, Minister Johnson founded the non-profit organization Clergy for Change and continues to build upon the role of the church as a center for resources, direction, and advocacy.

Please join me in honoring Minister Gary D. Johnson for his commitment, dedication, and service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the former mayor of the City of North Miami, Andre D. Pierre, for his leadership, his vision and contributions to the economic growth of the city and to education. North Miami is the fourth largest city in Miami-Dade County and home to more than 60,000 residents.

Since Mayor Pierre's election in 2009, the city has received four national awards: The All-America City Award, Playful City 2012, Playful City 2013, and the National Medal for Museum and Library Services.

The mayor's support of local businesses and recruitment of new restaurants, a major drug store, a large-chain grocery store and a museum, have contributed greatly to the economic health of the City of North Miami.

Mayor Pierre's focus on education has resulted in hundreds of scholarships being awarded to hardworking and deserving students seeking to further their education and young adults pursuing a career in law enforcement. Without these scholarships, many students and young adults in the city might not otherwise have the means or opportunity to further their education and pursue careers.

To fund these scholarships, Mayor Pierre established the North Miami Education Foundation, Incorporated, the North Miami Adult Education Center, the Florida International University First Generation Scholarship and the North Miami Memorial Scholarship.

Mayor Pierre is also a celebrated Haitian American, who has been recognized for his work with Haitian immigrants and his advocacy for immigration reform.

Please join me in honoring former mayor Andre D. Pierre for his commitment, dedication, and service to his constituents and the City of North Miami.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor one of South Florida's most respected and heralded religious leaders, Bishop Walter Harris Richardson, as he celebrates his 47th pastoral anniversary at the Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) in Miami, Florida.

Bishop Richardson was ordained and installed as the first Bishop of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) in 1996. He was ordained a minister on November 30, 1946. Bishop Richardson was named Pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) in 1965 and has, since that time, served as pastor and overseer. He was elevated to the position of Elder in 1967.

As head of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), Bishop Richardson has expanded the church's service to the residents of the greater Miami-Dade County community through its non-profit organization BUTIFNOT, Incorporated. Under his leadership, The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) also now has congregations in Belle Glade, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia.

Bishop Richardson has been a resident of Miami, Florida for 67 years. He was born in North Carolina on January 5, 1923, to Frank and Ollie Richardson. He is the husband of Missionary Betty Forbes Richardson; the father of Dr. Walter T. Richardson and Pastor Alfred J. Richardson, and stepfather of Clifford J. Forbes and Dobrie Forbes.

Please join me in honoring Bishop Walter Harris Richardson of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) for unwavering faith and commitment to his congregation and to his community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to pay tribute to Doctors George and Dazelle Simpson for their contributions to the health and welfare of the people of South Florida.

The husband-and-wife team of doctors are pioneers and trailblazers who achieved many firsts in the field of medicine, community service and education. Dr. George Simpson and his wife Dr. Dazelle Simpson were the first African Americans to become board certified to practice Surgery and Pediatrics in the State of Florida.

Beyond the examination room, the Simpsons were instrumental in community development projects designed to provide affordable housing for low to middle income families, the elderly and the homeless. They also devoted countless hours to teaching and training future doctors at local colleges and universities.

Dr. George Simpson practiced General Surgery in Miami for 54 years. He was the first African American to perform major surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital and other major hospitals in Miami-Dade County. Dr. George Simpson was also the first African American on the teaching staff at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He founded the first physician's union in Miami-Dade County, Jackson Memorial SEIU, and held the titles of Medical Director and Chairman of the Board at several different medical facilities and hospitals, in Miami-Dade County.

Dr. Dazelle Simpson practiced Pediatrics in Miami for 42 years. She was the first woman and first African American member of the University of Miami School of Medicine Admissions Committee. Dr. Dazelle Simpson was also the first African American President of the Greater Miami Pediatric Society, President of the Florida Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Association and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for Miami Children's Hospital. In addition, Dr. Simpson sat on numerous medical boards and foundations.

The Simpsons are graduates of Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, which is one of the Nation's oldest and largest historically black academic health science centers, dedicated to educating physicians, dentists, researchers and health policy experts.

Please join me in honoring Doctors George and Dazelle Simpson for their contributions and unwavering commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mattye Phillips, a lifelong educator, community activist and the first Black Psychometrist (psychological tester) in the State of Florida.

Ms. Phillips began her teaching career at the age of 20. She taught French, English, Drama and Physical Education Theory. Ms. Phillips' career would expand to include the title of lecturer and trainer. She also focused her energy on working with youth through the Alternatives to Incarceration Program. Ms. Phillips worked tirelessly and dedicated her life to changing the lives of young people in the Second Chance Program.

Ms. Phillips drew her thirst for knowledge and her drive to help others from her father's belief that ``lazy people walk,'' and from that day she always ran.

Ms. Phillips graduated high school at age 16. After graduation from high school, she attended Florida Agricultural Mechanical University (FAMU) where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Master of Education Degree.

Please join me in honoring the late Mattye Phillips, a mother, teacher and nurturer, who dedicated her life to educating and guiding our youth in Miami-Dade County.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary celebration of Mount Olivette Missionary Baptist Church, a historic landmark in Miami, Florida's Overtown community.

The church was founded by the late Reverend S.A. Sampson on October 12, 1912, in the home of Reverend Sampson's brother, Nathaniel Sampson. Nathaniel Sampson is listed as one of the pioneers of the church along with Julia Dean, Remalia Ellis, Richard Johnson, Francis Smith, Albert Taylor and Ellen Ward. Reverend Sampson's 16-year-old daughter Irene Sampson was the recording secretary.

The congregation later moved to Mrs. Powell's schoolhouse on Avenue G and Woods Street, which is now Northwest 11th Street and 2nd Avenue. The church bell would ring from a pine tree to alert the congregation and the community about Sunday services, deaths and funerals.

In 1915, Mount Olivette Missionary Baptist Church relocated to its present site, at 1450 Northwest 1st Court. The church is now under the leadership of Reverend Franklin R. Clark, who was installed on August 12, 1979.

Since its founding in 1912, Mount Olivette Missionary Baptist Church has served as a cornerstone of the community. From humble beginnings, to one of the most respected churches in Miami's Overtown community, Mount Olivette continues to inspire and positively impact our community, through its spiritual, educational, cultural and social programs.

I am honored to pay tribute to Mount Olivette Missionary Baptist Church as it celebrates its 100th anniversary and a century of dedication and commitment to its members and Miami's Overtown community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mr. Julius Littman, a lifelong community leader in South Florida, entrepreneur, philanthropist, veteran, beloved son, husband, father, neighbor and friend.

Mr. Littman spent more than twenty-two years in public service as a Councilman and Vice-Mayor of the City of North Miami Beach. His service to the community extended beyond City Hall. For more than twenty-three years he served as Executive Director of Stop Hunger Incorporated, feeding over 27,000 low-income families and individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties monthly.

His support of the arts was a driving force behind the North Miami Beach Arts Theater, which in 2004, was renamed the Julius Littman Performing Arts Theater.

In addition to serving his community, Mr. Littman also served his country as a Captain in the United States Air Force in World War II.

Mr. Littman was born in South River, New Jersey, on May 2, 1923. He is survived by his longtime companion Tatyana Kats; daughter Phyllis Diskin and her husband Jonathan; sons, Paul and Gregory; grandchildren Jack, Harrison, Jeremy, Gabriel and Olivia.

Please join me in honoring the late Mr. Julius Littman for his commitment, dedication and service to our community and our country.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Robert Kermett Walker who is retiring after 44 years of distinguished service at several federal agencies including the United States Post Office, United States Coast Guard, Department of the Navy and most recently NOAA under the United States Department of Commerce. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mr. Walker has been an active member and leader in

the local Chapter of Blacks In Government and has also

represented his agency in the Combined Federal Campaign, one

of the largest work place giving programs in the country;

Whereas, Mr. Walker used his knowledge as Computer Analyst

to help improve the efficiency of governmental agencies and

their effectiveness to serve the public;

Whereas, Mr. Walker takes great pride in sharing his wisdom

with young people in order to positively contribute to their

growth and development;

Whereas, Mr. Walker takes great pride in sharing his wisdom

with young people in order to positively contribute to their

growth and development; 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. Robert Kermett

Walker for his dedication to his profession, and his

commitment to passing on his expertise to younger

generations.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Reverend Dr. Mack King Carter, a man of God, a community activist and scholar. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Reverend Carter was considered one of America's

great African-American preachers and traveled across the

United States and abroad teaching God's Word;

Whereas, Reverend Carter was senior pastor of New Mount

Olive Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale for 27 years, and

under his leadership the congregation grew from about 2,800

to more than 10,000 members;

Whereas, Reverend Carter gave his life to Christ at the age

of five and became the pastor of a church at the age of 19;

Whereas, Reverend Carter mentored numerous pastors across

the country and was a well respected biblical scholar admired

for his use of current events in his sermons often delivered

with the tradition tone of African-American preaching;

Whereas, Reverend Carter, a native of Ocala, Florida,

received an Associate of Arts degree in 1967 from Central

Florida Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970

from the University of Florida, a Master of Divinity degree

in 1976 from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a

Doctorate of Ministry degree in 1978 from Southern Baptist

Theological Seminary; 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 late Reverend Dr. Mack King Carter for his

dedication and unwavering commitment to spreading God's

message, his commitment to his family and friends and our

community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Anthony C. Brooks, a constituent and a respected educator who, after thirty-one years with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, is retiring.

Mr. Brooks has been a leader in improving access to quality education for students, improving working conditions for teachers and increasing parental involvement throughout the school district.

Mr. Brooks began his career with Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1983 as a Language Arts teacher at Kinloch Park Middle School. He later taught Language Arts at Miami Douglas MacArthur North Senior High School. Mr. Brooks soon moved into a leadership role as assistant principal at Coral Gables Senior High School. It is a title he also held at Jose de Diego Middle School and Miami Jackson Senior High School. Mr. Brooks spent the last eight years of his tenure with Miami- Dade County Public Schools as a Language Arts teacher at Lake Stevens Middle School.

He is not only a staple in the classroom, but also in the community. He has held leadership roles in numerous organizations which include executive director of the South Florida Youth Film Workshop Incorporated, secretary of the Children's Services Council, executive council with the Miami-Dade County Juvenile Justice Council, advisor for the Youth Crime Watch School of the Year (Kinlock Park Middle School), and Language Arts Department Chair at Douglas MacArthur North Senior High School.

Mr. Brooks received his Bachelor of Science Degree in English from Kentucky State University and his Master of Science Degree from Barry University in Educational Leadership.

Please join me in honoring Mr. Anthony C. Brooks for his commitment to education and our children and for his dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Thomas Philip Hixon who is retiring after 25 years of outstanding service to our community and to young men, as a mentor with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Sergeant Hixon, a highly skilled and well-

respected law enforcement officer, rose from the ranks of

police officer to investigator and to supervisor over his 25-

year career;

Whereas, Sergeant Hixon was assigned to the Homicide

Bureau, Robbery Bureau, the Public Housing and Urban

Development Unit, as well as the Carol City and Intracoastal

District, where he investigated thousands of criminal cases

that led to the successful prosecution of scores of

defendants;

Whereas, Sergeant Hixon has received more than 80 letters

of commendation, was the recipient of the 2004 United States

Attorney's Office Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award,

and has received numerous other accolades, including the

Employee Excellence Award and Officer of the Month Award;

Whereas, Sergeant Hixon has worked to make Miami-Dade

County safer for residents and visitors, and has helped to

improve the lives of the less fortunate;

Whereas, Sergeant Hixon is a dedicated mentor with the 5000

Role Models of Excellence Project, working to improve the

odds for at-risk young; 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 retiring Miami-Dade County Police Sergeant Thomas

Philip Hixon for his dedication, commitment and untiring

service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Miami Gardens Councilwoman Felicia Robinson, a breast cancer awareness advocate and founder of Miami Gardens' Breast Cancer Awareness ``Pink Week'', in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Councilwoman Robinson became an advocate for breast cancer awareness and the fight to find a cure after the death of her aunt, who died from breast cancer in 1997. Over the years she participated in and sponsored numerous fund-raising events throughout South Florida. On October 27, 2012, Miami Gardens will hold its first Breast Cancer Awareness ``Pink Week'' under Ms. Robinson's direction and leadership. Seven days of activities and fund raisers will be held across Miami Gardens. The goal is to empower, encourage and pamper women with breast cancer, as well as breast cancer survivors.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Robinson is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Miami Gardens Councilwoman Felicia Robinson, a breast cancer awareness advocate and founder of Miami Gardens' Breast Cancer Awareness ``Pink Week,'' for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Demetres L. Parrish, a co-founder and membership chairwoman of the Miami, Florida Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

In 2011, Ms. Parrish, an advocate for breast cancer awareness joined with three breast cancer survivors to found the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer and survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Parrish is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Demetres L. Parrish, a co-founder and membership Chairwoman of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Leonard Burgess was appointed on June 8, 2014 to the position of Police Chief for the North Miami Police Department in Miami-Dade County Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Chief Burgess is a long-standing and progressive

law enforcement officer well suited to lead North Miami

Police Department. Having started his law enforcement career

in North Miami Florida in 1984, he spent the past 29 years

amassing, diversifying and refining his professional

qualifications and his personal attributes;

Whereas, during his 20-year tenure with the Miami-Dade

Police Department, Chief Burgess diligently and effectively

served in numerous capacities, during this period he advanced

from the rank of police officer to the position of Division

Chief, where he was responsible for managing and supervising

hundreds of personnel;

Whereas, from October of 2006 through December 2006, Chief

Burgess was appointed and served as interim Director of the

Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department. Later,

again he responded to the call for service when he was

requested and voluntarily returned as the Department's Deputy

Director;

Whereas, as the father of three children, Chief Burgess

takes great pride in sharing his wisdom with young people to

positively contribute to their growth and development. Chief

Burgess has maintained a commitment and has worked tirelessly

for more than 15 years to assist children serving as a mentor

with and through the 5000 Role Model of Excellence Program;

Whereas, prior to his serving the South Florida communities

of Miami-Dade County and North Miami Florida, Chief Burgess

proudly served his Country in the United States Marine Corps

and was honorably discharged after service was complete; 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 Chief Leonard Burgess for his dedication to his

profession, and his commitment to serve others and maintain a

pledge to commitment and to personal involvement and assuming

leadership roles.