Floor Statements

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 through 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 a 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 of 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 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 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 as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Dorothy Wallace 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, Dorothy Wallace'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 Dorothy Wallace for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Jui Chitre, my intern who has worked tirelessly serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Jui has proven to be a talented and efficient young woman, always ready to learn something new.

Jui has assisted my office in multiple areas, including communications, appropriations, and constituent engagement. She is an achiever and has shown professionalism in every aspect of her work.

Daughter of Abhay and Sucharita Chitre, Jui is from Virginia. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech, where she earned her bachelor's degree in International Relations with two minors in History and German. At Virginia Tech, she was a member and group leader of Teach for Jamie and the International Relations Organization. During her time in these organizations, she taught German to elementary students and fostered her research abilities.

After her internship in my office, Jui plans to continue working on Capitol Hill, where she intends to use her diverse skills to find solutions to domestic and foreign conflicts.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Jui for her present and inevitable success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Edwidge Labbe, my intern who has completed her Summer 2022 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Edwidge has proven to be a very articulate young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors.

Edwidge has assisted my office in various areas, such as education policy, constituent outreach, and research. She has demonstrated her ability to adapt and ask questions. Edwidge has presented excellent drive and a continuous willingness to learn.

The daughter of Jeanphillipe and Martine Labbe, Edwidge was raised in Delray, Florida. A proud Gator, she is enrolled in the University of Florida where she studies at the College of Liberal Arts. She also volunteers at Lake Forest Elementary in hopes of closing the opportunity gap amongst Black and brown children.

Upon transitioning from her internship, Edwidge will return to school to complete her final semester. She will continue to nurture her knowledge and use her experience and developing expertise to bridge the gap between experiential learning and professional development.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Edwidge Labbe for her present and future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, as a congressional representative of the Haitian community in South Florida, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Haitian music icon Michael ``Mikaben'' Benjamin.

Born in 1981 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to legendary Haitian singer Lionel and famed doctor Roseline Benjamin, Michael was just 16 years old when he was introduced to the Haitian music scene with his performance of ``Nwel Tristes'' alongside his sister Melodie Benjamin. He released his first album Vwayaj that following year, which featured one of his most popular hits, ``Ou Pati.'' The success of ``Ou Pati'' would pave his musical journey as a singer, composer, and producer. He would go on to release more hits such as``Ayiti Se,'' ``TI Pam Nan,'' ``Fe Lapli,'' and ``Marry Me,'' He would also sing and produced hits such as ``Fanm Sa Move'' and ``Baby I Missed You'' for Carimi and hits for other global music acts including Kai, Enposib, Harmonik, Kreyol La, T-Vice, Karizma, Alan Cave, Ruthshelle Guillaume, Leila Chicot, J- Perry, and Lionel Benjamin, his father. Mikaben's music transcended genres and cultures. Along with his musical accomplishments, Mikaben will be remembered for being a loving son, husband, father, patriot, mentor, and philanthropist.

He empowered many Haitian children through his Ti Souf Foundation. The image of him draped in the Haitian flag while performing with Carimi, moments before his passing, is indelibly etched in the minds and hearts of millions of Haitians and others around the world.

On October 15, 2022, Mikaben suddenly collapsed while walking off stage after performing his hit song ``Ou Pati.'' He was later pronounced dead despite medical intervention. He was performing in front of a sold-out audience at a reunion concert for Carimi, a famed Haitian band, that was held at Eastern Paris? Accor Arena. Mikaben is survived by his pregnant wife Vanessa Fanfan, his two children, and his parents, Lionel and Roseline Benjamin, He is also survived by his two siblings and countless fans from around the world.

Understandably, the Haitian community has been devastated by the sudden passing of Mikaben. The community has galvanized to honor him and support his family. Madam Speaker and everyone in this nation, please join me in honoring the life and legacy of legendary musician Michael ``Mikaben'' Benjamin.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Iral Porter 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, Iral Porter'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 Iral Porter 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 as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Cornelia ``Corky'' Dozier 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, Cornelia ``Corky'' Dozier'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 Cornelia ``Corky'' Dozier 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 as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Ambassador Wendall K. Jones 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, Ambassador Wendall K. Jones' 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 Ambassador Wendall K. Jones 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 Joe King 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, Joe King'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 Joe King 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 Countess Balogun 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, Countess Balogun'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 Countess Balogun 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 as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Apostle John Chambers 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, Apostle John Chambers' 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 Apostle John Chambers for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Max P. Wolf-Johnson, my senior legislative assistant who is transitioning from my office to pursue an advanced degree. Max joined my office in 2018 and has blossomed into an extraordinary policy expert and leader.

Max has been instrumental in my efforts to change the landscape of American higher education and provide more support to HBCUs. Further, he has helped to advance labor-related legislation that ensures critical provisions for America's workers and supports Job Corps in the next WIOA reauthorization. His actions have led to countless wins in education and labor policy, and he has gained a wealth of knowledge in both respective areas.

Additionally, Max has been willing to take on whatever assignment or job placed before him. His ability to take on new positions and excel is a testament to his work ethic and versatility. Though a proud native of the state of California, Max has treated Miami as his second home through his tireless work. A son of educators and a graduate of public K-12 schools, he understands the importance of the public school system.

After graduating high school, Max earned an associate degree at the College of Marin and a bachelor's degree at the University of California Berkeley, both in political science and government.

On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Max Wolf-Johnson for his extraordinary accomplishments, commitment to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize VonCarol Kinchens 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, VonCarol Kinchens' 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 VonCarol Kinchens 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 as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize City of Miami Commissioner Ken Russell 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, Commissioner Ken Russell'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 Ken Russell for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.