Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor 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. As of Wednesday, November 21, 2012, Halsem had a career high of 4,814 rebounds.

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 vas 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 Congresswoman Wilson, to provide mentorship and scholarships to at-risk boys.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor one of Florida's most respected and heralded political leaders, Senator Larcenia J. Bullard, as she and her family celebrate her influential political career as a member of both the Florida State House of Representative and the Florida State Senate.

Senator Larcenia J. Bullard began her career as a Florida policymaker in 1992, when she was elected to the Florida House of Representatives for District 118; the first woman ever elected to the post. After serving as a Representative for eight years, she was elected to the Florida Senate by District 39 in 2002. She was reelected in 2004 and in 2008.

The Florida State Senator successfully passed important legislation, like the Magic City Children's Zone, the Good Samaritan Act, and the State Facilities/Emergency Shelters Bill. Senator Bullard has also served as the Vice Chair of the Agricultural and Transportation committees.

Senator Bullard is also the matriarch of an esteemed family of Florida Legislators, which is unprecedented. Her husband is former State Representative Edward B. Bullard, who represented District 118 from 2000 to 2008. The family tradition of public service continues with their son Dwight Bullard, who was elected as District 118's representative in 2008. Senator Bullard has two other children; Vincent and Edwina. They have three grandchildren.

Senator Larcenia J. Bullard was born and raised in Allendale, South Carolina. She relocated to Florida in 1980, where she obtained her Master's Degree from Nova Southeastern University and began to work as a teacher in the Miami-Dade Public School System.

I am pleased to honor Senator Larcenia J. Bullard of Florida District 39, for her unwavering dedication and commitment to her constituents, her community and her state.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor one of South Florida's most respected educators, Ms. Rhoda Omega Shirley who is retiring after thirty-three years as a teacher and District Director with Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Ms. Shirley began her teaching career in 1980 as a fulltime elementary school teacher. She also taught adult and secondary students pan-time for eight years. Her love of teaching and fighting for educational opportunities for our children, would catapult Ms. Shirley into leadership roles throughout her career. She has served as: Lead Education Specialist/Coordinator, Instructional Staffing Officer, District Supervisor Summer and Extended Year Programs, Director Area Center for Educational Enhancement (ACEE), Executive Director, and Director Summer Services/HIPPY.

Ms. Shirley believes that all communities are rooted in the values of their ancestors and cultures. She leads by example and her dedication to her profession and work with our children extends far beyond the classroom. As President of the Women's History Coalition, she fought to secure literature on the contributions of women for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and she helped to initiate a scholarship for young women from the Women's History Coalition, Ms. Shirley is also a member of the Florida Association of School Administrators and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Ms. Shirley earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Florida Memorial College in 1980. She received her Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling in 1989 from Barry University and attended Florida International University for her post graduate studies in Education Administration and Supervision.

Please join me in honoring Ms. Rhoda Omega Shirley for her commitment, dedication and service to our students and to her community.

Mr. Speaker, 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 long time 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, 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, 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, I rise today to recognize and honor one of South Florida's most beloved citizens, the late Mrs. Ora B. Bendross, who was affectionately known by many as ``Nana.''

Mrs. Bendross was known throughout the Miami-Dade County community as the lady with the enormous heart, who never ever met a stranger. Many in the South Florida community have experienced her kindness and generosity, and her home, became a refuge for some of today's most well-known community leaders. Those who knew her best will remember her open invitation to ``stop by and have dinner with my family.'' Mrs. Bendross adored her children and taught each of them the importance of an education.

As a dedicated member of the Historic Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and later Bible Missionary Baptist Church, she served on several missionary boards, sang in the choir, served on an usher board and was fully committed to serving the Lord.

Mrs. Bendross is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Mr. Willie J. Bendross, and three of her seven children: Donald Bendross, Dallas Bendross and Joyce Bendross Forchion. She leaves to carry on her legacy her children; Pinnie (Patricia) Bendross, James Bendross, Dr. Dorothy Bendross Mindingall, Bennie (Yvonne) Bendross and a host of grandchildren, great-great and great-great-great grandchildren.

Please join me in honoring the late Mrs. Ora B. Bendross for her unwavering faith and commitment to her family and her community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor 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 honor Mr. Robert Kermett Walker, who retired 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 workplaces giving programs in the country; and

Whereas Mr. Walker used his knowledge as Computer Analyst

to help improve the efficiency of governmental agencies and

their effectiveness to serve the public; and whereas, Mr.

Walker takes great pride in sharing his wisdom with young

people to positively contribute to their growth and

development; and

Whereas Mr. Walker takes great pride in sharing his wisdom

with young people 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. A 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 honor the Reverend Nigel Leon Lovell-Martin, dedicated servant of God, respected spiritual leader, educator, and community activist, who is celebrating 25 years as the Pastor of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas Reverend Lovell-Martin is credited with bringing

stability to struggling Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church,

when he became pastor in 1997, and building, over the past 25

years, a sound foundation for the church that is supported by

loyal and dedicated members;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin has initiated numerous

successful ministries at the church that tackle issues facing

youth and adults, the poor and the homeless;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin is an adjunct professor at

Florida Atlantic University, holds a Ph.D., a master's and

several other degrees in Education and raises money yearly

for scholarships to help students further their education;

Whereas Reverend Lovell-Martin served the Presbyterian

Church in various capacities including as commissioner to the

214th and the 219th General Assemblies, commissioner to the

11th stated meeting of the Synod of South Atlantic,

presbytery staff and moderator, and Committee/Commissioner on

Ministry moderator; 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 recognize Reverend Doctor Nigel Leon Lovell-Martin

on his 25th anniversary as pastor of Myrtle Grove

Presbyterian Church, for his commitment to God, his

congregation and our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the life of the late Reverend Shedrick Edward Gilbert, who was a 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; and

Whereas, Reverend Gilbert served in various roles at St.

Agnes Episcopal Church which include, Vestryman, Treasurer

and Clerk and the Deaconate; and

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; and

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; and

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;

and

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 honor the life of the late Mr. Rogers Brown, Jr., a beloved husband, father, and friend, who was also gifted with extraordinary culinary skills that led to a stellar career as a master chef and restaurant inspector. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas Mr. Brown's love of cooking and culinary talents

led to the title of Chef and a long and rewarding career with

Amtrak; and

Whereas Mr. Brown's culinary career was followed by a

decade's long career as an Inspector of Hotels and

Restaurants for the State of Florida--a job he held until his

retirement: and

Whereas Mr. Brown bravely served his country as a soldier

in the United States Army; and

Whereas Mr. Brown was a kind and gentle man who loved to

travel and share tales of his adventures with family members

and friends; 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 late Mr. Rogers Brown, Jr., for his dedication

and commitment to his family and for his service to our

community, state, and country.

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

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; and

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;

and

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; and

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

Doctor 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 honor Ruth Ellis-Myers, who retired after 28 years of distinguished service with Miami-Dade County government. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Ellis-Myers began her career with Miami-Dade

County's former Department of Building and Zoning in 1985 as

an Enforcement Officer 1 and was soon promoted to a

supervisory position and later promoted to Administrative

Assistant with the former Developmental Impact Committee; and

Whereas, Mrs. Ellis-Myers, who had worked hard and climbed

the ladder within her department but after a merger found

herself back where she started, took it as a challenge and

ultimately worked her way back into a supervisory role within

the county's new Planning and Zoning Department; and

Whereas, Mrs. Ellis-Myers took advantage of an opportunity

of a lifetime by participating in the Miami-Dade County

Management Trainee 2003 to 2004 program and was promoted to

Assistant to the Director of the Department of Procurement

Management; and

Whereas, Mrs. Ellis-Myers started her career with the

county with a bachelor's degree in business administration

and later earned two Master's degrees in Public

Administration and Library and Information Science; 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 Administrator Ruth Ellis-

Myers for her dedication and commitment to her profession and

for 28 years of service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of the late Elder Ruben Alexander Cox, Jr., a man of God, a revered spiritual and religious leader, and a beloved community servant. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, the late Elder Ruben Alexander Cox, Jr., at an

early age, was ordained to the gospel ministry, committed to

the work and calling of God, and served as a minister for

more than 50 years;

Whereas Elder Cox dedicated his life to spreading God's

message of hope and love, he became a spiritual blessing to

many;

Whereas Elder Cox gave abundantly to charity and to his

community throughout his lifetime;

Whereas Elder Cox was an advocate for community and social

change, and one of the communities' unsung heroes;

Whereas Elder Cox built his life around faith, family and

friends;

Whereas Elder Cox, even in retirement, continued to work

with the youth in his community, mentoring and guiding them

to become selfless members of society;

Whereas Elder Cox was a devoted father, husband, and friend

who always had a wise sermon for anyone who would listen; 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 Elder Ruben Alexander Cox, Jr. for his

dedication to his family, his church, our youth and our

community.