Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Dr. Maria Oriakha for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on the July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Dr. Maria Oriakha's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Maria Oriakha for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson, Sr. for his historic accomplishments and contributions to our nation's history, for receiving the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom and Justice Award, and for his induction into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project.

Jesse Jackson has been called the Conscience of the Nation and the Great Unifier. He is a former candidate for President, Civil Rights champion, and Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, the nation's highest honor.

Born on October 8, 1941 in Greenville, South Carolina, Jesse Jackson graduated from the public schools in Greenville and enrolled in the University of Illinois. He later transferred to North Carolina A&T State University and graduated in 1964. He has received more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees.

During the 116th Congress, Jesse Jackson endorsed the passing of an historic, bipartisan piece of legislation that created the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, and I was proud to honor him at the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast.

Jackson has championed civil and human rights for many years, pressing for broader employment opportunities for African-Americans and negotiating the release of international hostages and prisoners. It is an honor and a joy to call our Conscience of the Nation and the Great Unifier a dear friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. for the grand opening of the Johnny Taylor Family UTrailblazers Experience.

The UTrailblazers Experience is a multimedia tribute recognizing and commemorating Black students, living and deceased, who graduated from the University of Miami during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as spotlights the contributions of present and future black students. In 1961, the first trailblazers set foot on campus when the University of Miami admitted its first black students three and a half decades after the university first opened its doors. The inaugural forty student class dismantled many barriers and paved the way for generations to come.

The Johnny Taylor Family UTrailblazers Experience was born from an initiative by the Black Alumni Society, who shined a light on the many struggles the first Black students endured. At the time, the information was only available in the archives of the University of Miami Libraries. Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. is a University of Miami alumnus and member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees. Mr. Taylor has gifted UTrailblazers Experience as a permanent exhibit to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of students and future generations of students who make a difference in the areas of diversity and inclusion.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. for his contribution to the University of Miami community and his commitment to preserving the history of past students and honoring the potential of future generations of Black students.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Clarice Cooper for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on the July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Clarice Cooper's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Clarice Cooper for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Djaina Dervil on her accomplishments and to congratulate her on receiving the United States Department of State Gilman Scholarship.

Djaina ``Nina'' Dervil is a rising senior at Florida State University pursuing a major in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. She was born and raised North Miami Beach, where she still calls home.

Her Gilman Scholarship enabled her to develop her grant-writing abilities and expand her STEM exploration. She worked with Seed Science on grant writing in the areas of environmental awareness and STEM education. Using the Gilman Scholarship, Djaina travelled and conducted research within the United States. She credits the Gilman Scholarship with contributing to her drive to conduct further research and to continue in academia.

She wants to acknowledge her mother, Sonnie Noel Dervil, and her father, Jules Dervil, for their sacrifices and efforts to fuel her education. She also wants to thank her brothers, Jodson Noel and Nikson Noel, for their support, assistance, and guidance. It's because of her family and support system that she was able to excel and secure this scholarship.

Following her undergraduate studies, she plans on securing an MD/PhD and applying through the Fulbright program to pursue her Masters in the United Kingdom.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Djaina Dervil for her accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Troy Vincent as a new inductee into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project and proudly honor him with the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom and Justice Award.

Troy Vincent was a cornerback in the National Football League from 1992-2006 for the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and Washington Commanders (formerly Washington Redskins). Troy Vincent served as the former President of the NFLPA, the first active NFL player to serve on the National Board of Directors for a Pop Warner Scholars Program, and the first Black Executive Vice President.

Born on June 8, 1970, in Trenton, New Jersey, Vincent attended the University of Wisconsin and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins as the 7th overall pick in 1992. In his current role as Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the NFL, he drives the organization through a deep commitment to impact lives. As a national leader and advocate against domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, Role Model Troy Vincent is committed to leadership, demonstrating character and a powerful voice for the voiceless.

During the 116th Congress, I worked hard to pass an historic, bipartisan piece of legislation that created the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. Troy Vincent was honored for being a champion for boys and men or color at the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast.

It is an honor to recognize Troy Vincent with this award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Don Lemon on his accomplishments and to congratulate him on receiving the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom and Justice Award.

Don Lemon is a multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning CNN Anchor. He has worked for news stations across the country and has reported for NBC News' New York Operations as a correspondent for Today, Weekend Today, NBC Nightly News, and MSNBC.

Born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Don Lemon graduated from Baton Rouge public schools and attended Louisiana State University, later graduating from Brooklyn College. The best-selling author moderates CNN political town halls and co-hosted the Color of Covid special that addressed the pandemic's impact on communities of color.

During the 116th Congress, I worked to pass historic, bipartisan legislation creating the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. Mr. Lemon will always be remembered as a leading network voice following the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests and riots.

Mr. Lemon was honored for being a champion for males of color at the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, and it is an honor to call him a friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Djaina Dervil on her accomplishments and to congratulate her on receiving the United States Department of State Gilman Scholarship.

Djaina ``Nina'' Dervil is a rising senior at Florida State University pursuing a major in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. She was born and raised in North Miami Beach, which she still calls home.

Her Gilman Scholarship enabled her to develop her grant-writing abilities and expand her STEM exploration. She worked with SeedScience on grant writing in the areas of environmental awareness and STEM education. Using the Gilman Scholarship, Djaina traveled and conducted research within the United States. She credits the Gilman Scholarship with contributing to her drive to conduct further research and to continue in academia.

She wants to acknowledge her mother, Sonnie Noel Dervil, and her father, Jules Dervil, for their sacrifices and efforts to fuel her education. She also wants to thank her brothers, Jodson Noel and Nikson Noel, for their support, assistance, and guidance. It's because of her family and support system that she was able to excel and secure this scholarship.

Following her undergraduate studies, she plans on securing an MD/ Ph.D. and applying through the Fulbright program to pursue her masters in the United Kingdom.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Djaina Dervil for her accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Don Lemon on his accomplishments and to congratulate him on receiving the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom and Justice Award.

Don Lemon is a multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow award-winning CNN Anchor. He has worked for news stations across the country and has reported for NBC News's New York Operations as a correspondent for Today, Weekend Today, NBC Nightly News, and MSNBC.

Born on March 1, 1966, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Don Lemon graduated from Baton Rogue public schools and attended Louisiana State University, later graduating from Brooklyn College. The best-selling author moderates CNN political town halls and co-hosted the Color of Covid special that addressed the pandemic's impact on communities of color.

During the 116th Congress, I worked to pass historic, bipartisan legislation creating the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. Lemon will always be remembered as a leading network voice following the death of George Floyd and subsequent protests and riots.

Lemon was honored for being a champion for males of color at the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, and it is an honor to call him a friend.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Dr. Maria Oriakha for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Dr. Maria Oriakha's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Maria Oriakha for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., for the grand opening of the Johnny Taylor Family UTrailblazers Experience.

The UTrailblazers Experience is a multimedia tribute recognizing and commemorating Black students, living and deceased, who graduated from the University of Miami during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as spotlights the contributions of present and future black students. In 1961, the first trailblazers set foot on campus when the University of Miami admitted its first Black students three and a half decades after the university first opened its doors. The inaugural forty-student class dismantled many barriers and paved the way for generations to come.

The Johnny Taylor Family UTrailblazers Experience was birthed from an initiative by the Black Alumni Society, which shined a light on the many struggles the first Black students endured. At the time, the information was only available in the archives of the University of Miami Libraries.

Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. is a University of Miami alumnus and member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees. Mr. Taylor has gifted UTrailblazers Experience as a permanent exhibit to celebrate and highlight the accomplishments of students and future generations of students who make a difference in the areas of diversity and inclusion.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., for his contribution to the University of Miami community and his commitment to preserving the history of past students and honoring the potential of future generations of Black students.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Monty Trainer for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Monty Trainer's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Monty Trainer for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Pastor Nathaniel Robinson for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Pastor Nathaniel Robinson's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Pastor Nathaniel Robinson for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022.

Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation.

Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Commissioner Raquel Regalado's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Commissioner Raquel Regalado for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend Jesse Lewis Jackson, Sr. for his historic accomplishments and contributions to our nation's history, for receiving the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom and Justice Award, and for his induction into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project.

Jesse Jackson has been called the Conscience of the Nation and the Great Unifier. He is a former candidate for President, Civil Rights champion, and Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient, the nation's highest honor.

Born on October 8, 1941, in Greenville, South Carolina, Jesse Jackson graduated from the public schools in Greenville and enrolled in the University of Illinois. He later transferred to North Carolina A&T State University and graduated in 1964. He has received more than 40 honorary doctorate degrees.

During the 116th Congress, Jesse Jackson endorsed the passing of a historic, bipartisan piece of legislation that created the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, and I was proud to honor him at the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project's 29th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast.

Jackson has championed civil and human rights for many years, pressing for broader employment opportunities for African-Americans and negotiating the release of international hostages and prisoners. It is an honor and a joy to call our Conscience of the Nation and the Great Unifier a dear friend.