Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Wright Edwards, a beloved and well-respected educator, mentor, a trail blazer and pioneer for women in the field of Physical Education, and a lifelong community servant. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards is receiving one of the highest

honors bestowed in the renaming of the student services area

at Miami Northwestern Senior High School to the Dorothy

Edwards Student Services Center;

Whereas, during her tenure with Miami-Dade Northwestern

Senior High School, Mrs. Edwards was a business teacher, all-

girls dean and later became the school's assistant principal

from 1955 until her retirement in 1971;

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards was the second female physical

education teacher hired by the Miami-Dade County Public

School System and was also a teacher, counselor and

administrator for students at Booker T. Washington High and

Dorsey Elementary Schools;

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards, an advocate for education and

physical fitness, is recognized in Who's Who in American

Education, and received the Florida State Teacher Award from

the Florida State Chamber of Commerce in 1966 and 1977;

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards, a graduate of Florida A&M College

(now University), was inducted into the university's Sports

Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards from various

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, am

proud to pay tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Wright Edwards for her

dedication to education and physical fitness, for her

commitment to our students, for her contributions to Miami

Northwestern Senior High School and to the Miami-Dade County

Public School District and for life-long service to our

community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the late Gregory Blatch, a dedicated, well respected and beloved teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who was affectionately called ``Coach.''

Coach Blatch was employed with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 34 years. He spent thirty-three of those years teaching at Ojus Elementary School, where he was an institution.

In addition to being an exceptional instructor, Coach Blatch was also a mentor, a motivator and a friend to his students, whom he often referred to as ``my children away from home.''

Coach Blatch participated in and sponsored numerous activities which included student government, the annual Washington D.C. trip, the safety patrol program, Drug Awareness and Resistance Education, and student physical fitness. He was staunch advocate for students' health and safety.

Coach Blatch was also heavily involved in the Parent Teacher Association at Ojus Elementary. He donated a great deal of his time orchestrating and participating in fund raisers from carnivals and talent shows to community outreach programs to support the school.

Coach Blatch was a graduate of Florida A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University. Coach Blatch was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a thirty-four-year member of the United Teachers of Dade.

Please join me in honoring the late Gregory ``Coach'' Blatch for his dedication to education, to our children and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Major Arthur Wells who has been named South Florida Federal Employee of the Year, for his selfless service to our veterans and their families. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells is assistant chief of

Prosthetics Service at the Bruce W.

Carter, Miami VA Healthcare Systems in Miami, Florida, where

he has been a compassionate, dedicated and devoted employee

for 25 years;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells has proven himself to be a

leader and an advocate for all veterans and has effectively

and tirelessly used his expertise to assist many veterans to

obtain prosthetic limbs and devices such as electric

wheelchairs, scooters, patient lifts and many other

instruments to ease any vet's daily task;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells is the president of two non-

profit organizations, the South Florida Chapter of Blacks in

Government (BIG) and the Army National Guard Family Support

Foundation, which assists deployed soldiers' families with

funds to pay bills while the soldier is overseas;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells has received numerous

accolades and awards for outstanding community service which

includes helping the elderly, raising money for back-to-

school supplies and college scholarships and building homes

in Miami's Liberty City and Overtown neighborhoods with

Habitat for Humanity;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells is a decorated, U.S. veteran

who served in numerous U.S. operations and conflicts,

including the Vietnam Conflict and Operation Iraqi Freedom

before his retirement in 2007 which ended 39 years of

military service; 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 Sergeant Major Arthur Wells for his service to our

country and for his dedication and commitment to our

veterans, their families and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize the late Pastor Jeffrey N. Hamilton, a faithful-servant of God, an advocate for education, community activist, 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;

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;

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 farther his education and pursed a master's degree

in divinity and special education from St. Thomas University

and from Nova University;

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 recognize the late Mrs. Leome Scavella Culmer, a faithful servant of God, a community, and a beloved mother and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Leome Scavella Culmer, a native Miamian and

product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, graduated from

Booker T. Washington High School in 1944 and later received a

bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and English from

Bethune Cookman College in 1949;

Whereas, Mrs. Culmer was the widow of the Venerable Father

John E. Culmer, the rector

of St. Agnes Episcopal Church and beloved mother to their

five children: Francena Culmer Brooks (deceased), John E.

Culmer, XI, Angela M. Culmer, Lona Culmer Shelback and James

A. Culmer;

Whereas, Mrs. Culmer was a third-generation member of

Historic St. Agnes' Episcopal Church where she served as

Historian of the parish, President of St. Cecelia's Chapter

of the Order of the Daughters of the King/ECW, a Vacation

Bible School teacher, a member of the Executive Board of St.

Agnes' Branch of the Episcopal Churchwomen and a member of

the Parish Council;

Whereas, for 21 years Mrs. Culmer served as the Chair of

the Program Committee of the African American Committee of

Dade Heritage Trust and was an advocate for historic

preservation through her words, deeds and actions; 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. Leome Scavella

Culmer, 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 recognize the late Mrs. Blanche Simmons, a faithful servant of God, beloved wife, mother and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Simmons was a strong supporter of parent

teacher associations and other school activities that

encouraged children to ensure their growth and development as

productive citizens;

Whereas, Mrs. Simmons, who knew the value of an education

and service to one's country, saw many of her of children

graduate from colleges and universities, become educators and

lawyers and serve in the United States Army;

Whereas, Mrs. Simmons was an active member of Salter's

Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Miami, Florida;

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 the late Mrs. Blanche Simmons for her

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

devotion to her family, friends and our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Mr. Harcourt Irvin Clark, Sr., a trailblazer, patriot, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

Mr. Clark worked tirelessly to make a difference in his community and break down barriers. He became the first African-American police officer in the city of Coral Gables, Florida. Determined to break more barriers, he went on to serve as Chief of Police for the University of Miami Police Department, Director of Campus Safety for Florida International University, and as the first Administrative Director for the Miami-Dade County Equal Opportunity Program Social Service Agency, which is now the Community Action Agency of Miami-Dade County.

He later shared his expertise and experiences as a professor of criminal justice at Florida International University. Mr. Clark capped his public service journey as a librarian in the city of North Miami. He went on to pursue his entrepreneurial spirit by opening ``The Hickory Pit Barbeque Restaurant.''

Before his stellar career in law enforcement, Mr. Clark dutifully served his country as a solider in the United States Army. After his tour of duty, he completed his college studies, earning a bachelor's degree, two master's degrees, and various certifications.

Mr. Clark was born on December 23, 1934, to the late Zena Marie Sawyer-Clark and Irwin Harcourt ``Christmas'' Clark in Coconut Grove, Florida.

He fulfilled his dream of becoming a member of the famed Marching 100, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's (FAMU) marching band. While at FAMU, he also met Alice Martha Cabrera, who would become the love of his life and his wife of 44 years, before her death.

Mr. Clark was a devout Christian and lifelong member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove. He was also a Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and a member of The Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge, Prince Hall Affiliated.

Please join me in paying tribute to the late Mr. Harcourt Irvin Clark, Sr., who lived a life of purpose, commitment, and service to his family, his friends and to his community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Stephen Johnson, who was appointed on April 22, 2014, to the position of Police Chief for the City of Miami Gardens Police Department in Miami-Dade County Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Chief Johnson who is a long standing and

progressive law enforcement officer, began his career with

the University of Kentucky Police Department in 1983. He has

spent more than thirty years amassing, diversifying and

refining his professional qualifications and his personal

attributes. He is well suited to lead Miami Gardens Police

Department;

Whereas, Chief Johnson transferred his police certification

to the State of Florida in 1984 and joined the North Miami

Police Department. Being promoted to the rank of Major, he

oversaw the Patrol, Community Policing and Administration

sections of the department. Having worked in a variety of

units and divisions--including patrol, criminal

investigations, narcotics, and community policing. Chief

Johnson garnered both extensive experience and significant

accomplishments as a law enforcement professional;

Whereas, in 2010, after serving as North Miami's Interim

Police Chief, Mr. Johnson was soon appointed the city's Chief

of Police. A year later, he was appointed as Interim City

Manager by the North Miami City Council and subsequently

selected to serve as City Manager;

Whereas, Chief Johnson takes great pride in sharing his

wisdom with young people to positively contribute to their

growth and development, Chief Johnson has maintained a

commitment and has worked tirelessly for many years to assist

children serving as a mentor with and through the 5000 Role

Model of Excellence Project;

Whereas, Chief Johnson is an Adjunct Professor with Barry

University for the Public Administration/Policy Program, he

also teaches at the University of Phoenix and the Everest

Institute; 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 Stephen Johnson for his dedication to his

profession, and for his commitment to serve our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor and congratulate Bishop Walter H. Richardson, a man of God, a well-respected spiritual leader and a beloved husband and father, who is celebrating 49 years as Pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), in Miami-Dade County.

Bishop Richardson is one of the longest serving pastors in Miami-Dade County. Under Bishop Richardson's leadership, the church has grown to include congregations in Belle Glade, Florida and Valdosta, Georgia. Bishop Richardson is also highly recognized for the work he does in the community through the church's non-profit organization ButlfNot, Incorporated.

Bishop Richardson was called to the ministry at an early age. Under the tutelage of his uncle, the late Elder Thomas J. Richardson, the founding pastor of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness), and Elder Richardson's wife, the late Evangelist M.E. Richardson, a young Bishop Richardson would embody the skills to carry on the legacy begun by his uncle and aunt to lead one of the South Florida's most influential congregations.

On November 30, 1946, Bishop Richardson was ordained an evangelist at The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness). He was named pastor of the church in May of 1965 and elevated to the position of Elder in 1967. He was ordained and installed as the first Bishop of The Church of God Tabernacle (True Holiness) in 1996.

Bishop Richardson is the husband of Missionary E.C. Betty Forbes Richardson, the father of Dr. Walter T. Richardson and Elder Alfred J. Richardson, and the stepfather of Clifford J. Forbes and Dobrie Forbes.

Please join me in honoring Bishop Walter H. Richardson for his commitment to spreading the Word of God and for his commitment to his congregation, his family, friends, and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to commend Bishop Jacob Cohen, who is retiring after 42 years as the Jurisdictional Prelate of The Eastern Florida Jurisdiction of The Church of God and Christ. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Bishop Cohen has made numerous contributions to

The Church of God and Christ, which include serving on the

General Board and as the Chairman of the Constitution

Committee, writing the financial plan for the National Church

of God in Christ, establishing the Clergy Bureau,

spearheading the growth of the Eastern Florida Jurisdiction

from eight to fifteen districts, supporting the successful

building and operation of a radio in Brasilia, Brazil and

sponsoring the Labor Task Force for the renovation of Saints

Industrial Junior College;

Whereas, Bishop Cohen has served as pastor of the historic

A.M. Cohen Temple Church of God in Christ, in Miami, for more

than 50 years;

Whereas, Bishop Cohen is one of the longest serving pastors

of a congregation in Miami's historic Overtown community;

Whereas, Bishop Cohen continues the legacy of his father,

the late Bishop Amaziah M. Cohen, founder of the A.M. Cohen

Temple in Miami in 1923;

Whereas, Bishop Cohen has served on many national, state

and local boards and advisory councils including the NAACP,

YMCA, Governor's Committee on the Black Family (1986), Boy

Scouts, Overtown Development, SCLC, and OIC;

Whereas, Bishop Cohen served his country bravely as a

solider in the United States Army, stationed in Fort Bragg,

North Carolina in the 82nd Airborne Division; 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 Bishop Jacob Cohen for his commitment to God and

spreading God's message, for his devotion to his family and

his congregation to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize The Sons of Allen Ministry's Second Annual 100 Men in Black Program at Saint Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church in Miami Gardens, Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, The Sons of Allen Ministry's 100 Men in Black

program is a ``rite'' of passage for young men to enter into

Christian maturity, develop as leaders and role models for

the youth;

Whereas, The Sons of Allen Ministry's 100 Men in Black

program seeks to galvanize the latent power of men for the

worship of God and service to God's people, equipping them

through the vital, vibrant, spiritual and social message of

God and the African Methodist Episcopal Church;

Whereas, The Sons of Allen Ministry, the official Men's

Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, fosters

an atmosphere where men are inspired through worship, study

and prayer to have fellowship and a relationship with God and

their fellowman;

Whereas, The Sons of Allen Ministry builds men as

providers, protectors, producers and priests for their

families and the community of the faithful;

Whereas, The Sons of Allen Ministry has programs that

enhance men in their abilities to serve God and God's people

through social outreach, Godly civic leadership and vital

Christian testimony; 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,

recognize The Sons of Allen Ministry's 100 Men in Black

program at Saint Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church

for its commitment to serving God, for its dedication to

being a positive influence in the lives of young men and for

its service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated host of the 64th Southern Province Council. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Incorporated has been a leader in service to the

community, advocating for youth, providing scholarships and

sponsoring cultural, educational and civic projects;

Whereas, the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Incorporated is devoted to improving the outcomes

and clear pathways to success for disadvantaged youth and

African-American boys, by maintaining active roles with

programs such as the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project

and the Big Time Boys organization, an acronym for Black

Individuals Giving Time Investing Money and Effort to Better

Our Young Society;

Whereas, the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Incorporated has partnered with elected officials

and Farm Share to provide food for struggling individuals and

families and holds its Annual Senior Thanksgiving Dinner to

feed seniors at assisted living facilities;

Whereas, the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Incorporated works diligently to educate women

about breast cancer and heart disease through its Women's

Breast Health Initiative, which provides free mammograms for

uninsured women;

Whereas, the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi

Fraternity, Incorporated is tackling subjects such as

Profiling, Gun Control, ``Stand Your Ground'' Legislation,

Conflict Resolution, and Effectively Dealing with Police

Encounters to educate its members and our youth to make a

difference in the wake of the death of Trayvon Martin; 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,

recognize and commend the Miami Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha

Psi Fraternity, Incorporated for its unwavering service,

commitment and dedication to the growth and prosperity our

community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize 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, Revered 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;

Whereas, Reverend Gilbert served in various roles at St.

Agnes Episcopal Church which include, Vestryman, Treasurer

and Clerk and the Deaconate;

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;

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;

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;

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 the Florida Caribbean Students Association, Incorporated (FCSA) and its 40th Leadership Conference. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, the Florida Caribbean Students Association (FCSA)

has served as a leading student network of over 28 different

organizations and thousands of students of Caribbean descent

at colleges and universities across Florida;

Whereas, the Florida Caribbean Students Association

provides a statewide platform of leadership development,

civic engagement, community service and cultural awareness;

Whereas, the Florida Caribbean Students Association is

holding its 40th Annual Leadership Conference at Miami-Dade

College's North Campus;

Whereas, the Florida Caribbean Students Association's

Annual Leadership Conference provides students with one-on-

one networking with fellow students and experts in a variety

of fields;

Whereas, the Florida Caribbean Students Association's

Annual Leadership Conference is the leading Caribbean student

event in Florida and brings together a wide variety of

Caribbean cultures and traditions; 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,

recognize and commend the Florida Caribbean Students

Association for its commitment to the educational growth and

empowerment of Florida's university and college students of

Caribbean descent.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Superintendent Ivory Wilcox, a well-respected man of God, spiritual leader and community servant, who is retiring after 41 years as superintendent of The South Miami District Church of God in Christ. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Superintendent Wilcox dedicated his life to

serving God and spreading His Word:

Whereas, Superintendent Wilcox served as pastor of South

Miami Church of God in Christ for 29 years, as pastor of

Emanuel Church of God in Christ for 13 years and served as

pastor of Dania Church of God in Christ for 22 years;

Whereas, Superintendent Wilcox worked tirelessly, feeding

and clothing those in need through the church's outreach

programs, and regularly visiting the sick in hospitals;

Whereas, Superintendent Wilcox would not be deterred when

handling church business, even traveling and sleeping in his

car during segregation, when hotels denied him access;

Whereas, each year Superintendent Wilcox purchased,

transported and helped prepared food for thousands who

attended the annual Holy Convocation held in Fort Pierce;

Whereas, Superintendent Wilcox bravely served his country

as a member of the United States Armed Services; 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 Superintendent Ivory Wilcox for his

unwavering faith, his commitment to his family and The South

Miami District Church of God in Christ and for his dedication

to our community.