Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as Chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys, on the occasion of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Annual Legislative Conference, where we gathered to officially cut the ribbon for the Commission and to honor the memory of young Black boys who were murdered, and the parents who continue to carry their sons' legacies forward. It is in that spirit that I pay tribute to Christine and Elmore Wonsley, the parents of Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old student-athlete whose death this past July has left a family grieving and a community demanding answers.

Nolan played football at Ocean Springs High School and went on to play at Southwest Mississippi Community College, known by teammates and friends as a steady, well-liked presence. On July 4, he traveled by boat with friends to Horn Island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast; he did not return with the group that evening, and his body was recovered two days later. Since that day, Christine and Elmore have transformed their grief into a public and unrelenting call for a full, transparent investigation, asking for nothing more than the same thoroughness any family would expect when a child does not come home.

Rather than grieve in silence, Christine and Elmore have stepped into the national spotlight. They stood alongside attorney Ben Crump and Rev. Al Sharpton at a press conference in Harlem demanding answers, and they have continued to speak publicly at national gatherings, including alongside civil rights leaders at the National Association of Black Journalists conference in Atlanta, to insist that Nolan's case receive the scrutiny it deserves. Their willingness to speak out, even as the investigation remains active and unresolved, has kept Nolan's story before the American people and ensured that his life, and the questions surrounding his death, are not forgotten. Their advocacy reflects something larger than one family's search for answers. It reflects a growing chorus of families across this country who have refused to let their loved ones become statistics, who have turned personal tragedy into public accountability, and who have reminded this Nation that justice delayed too often becomes denied. Christine's and Elmore's strength in the face of unimaginable loss, and their determination to see their son's case pursued to its full conclusion, embodies the same spirit that brought so many families to Washington this week to share their stories.

As they look toward the future, Elmore and Christine have spoken of building a foundation in Nolan's name, ensuring that his legacy endures beyond the headlines and beyond the investigation itself. It is a testament to the kind

of parents they are that even in grief, they are already thinking of how to help others. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our deepest condolences to Christine and Elmore, and in recognizing their courage in speaking out, their persistence in seeking the truth, and their commitment to ensuring that Nolan Xavier Wells is remembered not only for how he died, but for the life he lived and the people he touched.

Mr Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the winners of the LEGO Build the Change event, held in Miramar, on October 9, 2012. This is the first time the event has been held in a United States city, after being hosted in countries like Australia, Denmark and Singapore.

The LEGO Build the Change event challenged fifth graders from 12 Miramar elementaiy schools to build their vision of the city in 2040, using one ton of mixed LEGO bricks and pieces.

First place went to Dolphin Bay elementary, Jaclyn Siu, Yvette Pratdesabe, Amanda Joloya, Nicolette Pysher, and Sophia Bedoya. Dolphin Bay Elementary also took second place. The second place winners are Sean Bage, Noah Jenkins, Nicholas Radlein, Rachel Smith, and Alejandra Mora. Third place was a tie between Sea Castle Elementary and Sunshine Elementary schools. The third place winners from Sea Castle Elementary School are: Abbi Lynch, Marisa Ali, Dyani Fox, Tesia Innocent, and Treasure Lynch. The third place winnders from Sunshine Elementary School are: Patrick Shaw, Mesha Benjamin, Vhanroy Hosear, and Hartania Ramsay.

The event was held to celebrate ``Community Planning Month.'' The City of Miramar partnered with Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital at Memorial Miramar, which was the title sponsor.

The competition was designed to give the children an opportunity to ``build the change they want to see for Miramar,'' which could have been houses in the neighborhood, shopping centers, office buildings, hospitals, medical centers, parks, schools or just a fantasy creation.

I am honored to recognize these outstanding students for their creativity and ingenuity. They have demonstrated skills that are worthy of note and praise.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor Mayor Alix Desulme for his philanthropy and commitment to helping at-risk youth.

I am honored to reach out on behalf of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project to present him with a Congressional Award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the City of North Miami. Each year, we recognize distinguished Role Model Mentors, and it is a pleasure to extend our congratulations as to him as he joins this esteemed group. His recent re-election as Mayor is a testament to his remarkable achievements. As one of the youngest Haitian Americans to hold such a position, his impact on the community has been profound. His leadership has driven significant progress in economic development, infrastructure improvement, and community empowerment, guided by his principle of ``Putting People First.'' His commitment to creating a supportive environment for youth is commendable.

Through his initiatives, he has addressed the challenges faced by young individuals, especially those from underserved backgrounds. His focus on promoting educational opportunities and mentorship aligns perfectly with the mission of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, fostering pathways for success and instilling hope in the next generation. It is a privilege to recognize his achievements and express gratitude for your commitment to enhancing quality of life in North Miami. His leadership inspires both youth and the broader community to strive for excellence and unity. I congratulate him on this well- deserved recognition. I look forward to our continued partnership in empowering young leaders.

We now recognize Mayor Alix Desulme for his exemplary leadership and steadfast dedication to the North Miami community. Mayor Alix Desulme is valued as one of the youngest Haitian Americans to hold such a pivotal position in the City of North Miami. As a young leader, he has significantly influenced the lives of numerous residents. Under his stewardship, the city has achieved notable advancements in economic development, enhancements to infrastructure, and the empowerment of the community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Alpha Alpha Beta Omega Chapter under the Leadership of Basileus Cheryl D. Larkin on the occasion of the end of her presidency. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha

Alpha Beta Omega Chapter, was chartered on April 15, 2018, by

58 dedicated Charter Members who sought to uphold the

Sorority's legacy of service and sisterhood; and Whereas, the

chapter has since grown in both membership and impact,

expanding to include 115 dynamic women; and Whereas, under

the extraordinary leadership of Charter Member and Basileus

Cheryl D. Larkin, who has faithfully served as President from

January 2023 to December 2024, the chapter flourished in

alignment with her administration's inspiring theme, We Are

One--Excelling Through Service, Leadership, and the Spirit of

Sisterly Love; and

Whereas, the Alpha Alpha Beta Omega Chapter has remained

steadfast in its commitment to Service to All Mankind,

demonstrating exceptional dedication to the local community

and beyond through programs that uplift, empower, and

inspire, and Whereas, in November 2024, under Basileus'

Larkin's leadership, the chapter achieved a monumental

milestone by hosting its Inaugural Membership Experience,

welcoming nine new members into this illustrious sisterhood;

and Whereas, Alpha Alpha Beta Omega Chapter was honored with

numerous awards and accolades for its outstanding service,

leadership, and sisterhood, including 1st Place, AKA

International Program--Strengthen Our Sisterhood Award (Large

Chapter), 2023 Reactivation Award, 2023 1st Place S.O.A.R.

Award (Large Chapter), 2023 Best of the Best Graduate

Chapters, 2024 Ethel A. Grice Attendance Award, and 2024 Eva

Harris Cofield Attendance Award.

The chapter demonstrated a commitment to empowering youth

through the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI) program,

developing future leaders in the local community, and

Whereas, Alpha Alpha Beta Omega Chapter addressed critical

needs through its CHIPP initiative, which provided meals to

local elementary school students, embodying the Sorority's

mission of impactful 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, do

hereby recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements

of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Beta

Omega Chapter, under the transformative leadership of

Basileus Cheryl D. Larkin. I extend heartfelt gratitude to

Basileus Cheryl D. Larkin for her unwavering commitment to

excellence, service, and sisterhood, and recognize her

pivotal role in leading the We Are One Administration to

unparalleled success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the remarkable career and contributions of Dr. Harry K. Moon, a distinguished surgeon, visionary leader, and dedicated educator who has significantly shaped the medical and educational landscape in South Florida and beyond. As president-elect of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), Dr. Moon will assume the presidency in January 2025, continuing his legacy of excellence in academia, healthcare, and civic leadership.

Since 2018, Dr. Moon has served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of NSU, where he has been instrumental in the university's expansion and innovation. Under his leadership, NSU successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, swiftly transitioning to online learning while maintaining and increasing student enrollment. He played a crucial role in establishing NSU as one of Broward County's first free vaccine distribution sites. Dr. Moon also spearheaded the integration of NSU's clinical practices, resulting in the formation of NSU Health, a comprehensive university-affiliated healthcare network. His leadership extended to the reorganization of graduate admissions and student services and the strategic acquisition and development of more than one million square feet of new facilities.

A globally recognized expert in plastic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Moon is the founder and president of Himmarshee Surgical Partners in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His commitment to medical education is evident through his tenure as a clinical associate professor of surgery at NSU's Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2008 and his recent appointment as a professor of anatomy at NSU's Dr. Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences in 2024.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Moon has been a driving force behind the advancement of medical, health, research, and educational programs in South Florida. He previously held leadership roles with the Cleveland Clinic, serving as president and chairman of the board of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a member of its Board of Trustees, and chairman of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Health Plan. As CEO and chairman of the Board of Governors of Cleveland Clinic Florida from 1997 to 2001, and as president of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Health Network from 1996 to 2001, Dr. Moon helped shape the organization into a premier medical institution.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Moon has demonstrated unwavering commitment to community service. His leadership extends to numerous Florida-based organizations, including the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Clearwater Historical Society, the Economic Development Council of Collier County, Florida Gulf Coast University, the Broward County Girl Scouts of America, and the Broward County Library Foundation, among many others. His impact has also reached the financial sector, serving on the boards of several banking institutions.

In 2024, Dr. Moon was elected as a Fellow ad hominem of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a prestigious honor recognizing his contributions to the field of surgery. He is a prolific researcher and an esteemed speaker, having presented at esteemed medical conferences across the globe, including in Canada, Hungary, Brazil, and Australia. His collaboration with world-renowned surgeon Dr. G. Ian Taylor has significantly advanced the field of reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Moon's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in English from Tulane University, where he attended on a four-year athletic scholarship, having excelled as an all-state basketball player and state record-holder in multiple track and field events. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in 1978, followed by surgical residencies at the University of Hawaii, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Dr. Harry K. Moon. His lifelong dedication to advancing healthcare, education, and community well-being exemplifies the very best of our society. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing and commending his invaluable contributions.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great State of Florida, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Edna Major Jones, a United States Air Force Veteran.

Edna Major was born on October 11, 1932, in South Carolina to the late Solomon and Alma Major of Charleston, South Carolina, received her early education at Bonds Wilson High School in North Charleston, graduating in 1950, and furthered her education by earning a Business Administration Diploma from Immaculate Conception Business School in Charleston, South Carolina. She honorably served in the United States Air Force and was discharged with distinction in 1955, embodying dedication and patriotism to our country.

Upon moving to New York City, Edna embarked on a remarkable career, serving as a secretary to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Director of the United States Public Relations, from 1956 to 1958, and later working as a Clerk Stenographer at Downstate Medical Center from 1964 to 1968. Edna was a woman of grace, class, and immense talent, known for her exceptional abilities as a jazz and opera singer. She met and married recording artist Johnnie Jones, and from this union, they welcomed their beloved son, Dwayne Jones. In 1968, she relocated to Dade County, Florida, where she continued her education, earning credentials as a Business Administration Specialist and later an associate degree from Miami Dade College in 1971.

Mrs. Jones dedicated years of service to the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners as a Library Aide and later co-founded JJ's Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping with her husband, serving as the Secretary and Bookkeeper. Mrs. Jones was a devoted member of The Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St. Mary in Miami, Florida, where she served faithfully as a church secretary and choir member until her health no longer permitted her participation.

I am honored to recognize the life of Edna Major Jones, cherishing the impact she made on her community, her family, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great State of Florida, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former Miami-Dade County Police Officer Kim Jones Lang.

Kim Jones was born on October 16, 1958, in Miami, Florida, as the beloved firstborn child of Nina Jo Clark Jones and Thomas Jones, Jr. Raised in a home filled with faith, devotion, and love, Kim embodied the strong Christian values instilled in her by her family, living a life of kindness, integrity, and unwavering dedication to serving others.

In matters of the heart, Officer Lang was blessed to share 43 years of marriage with her devoted husband, Reverend Bernard Lang, with whom she built a life rooted in love and faith. Their union was blessed with two cherished sons, Justin and Julian, whom she nurtured with boundless love, wisdom, and encouragement. Officer Lang dedicated her professional career to public service, joining the Miami-Dade Police Department, where she served with honor, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of Miami-Dade County, ultimately retiring in 2012 after an esteemed career.

Officer Lang's faith was the foundation of her life, having first joined the Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church before continuing her faithful service at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where she stood beside her husband in his pastoral leadership. Officer Lang will always be remembered as a beacon of love, warmth, and generosity, whose presence brightened the lives of all who knew her Kim's compassion extended beyond her family to the broader community, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Kim Jones Lang leaves a rich legacy in the hearts and minds of her devoted husband, Bernard Lang, sons, Justin Lang and Julian Lang, sisters, Pamela Jones, Maria Jones, Chantel Jones-Whyte, and brother, Thomas Chauncey Jones, Jr.

Mr. Speaker, please join me as I am honored to recognize the life and legacy of Kim Jones Lang as an expression of my deepest sympathy and respect for a life well-lived and a soul well-loved.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Mr. Lamont S. Snyder in honor of ``Teacher Appreciation Week.'' Mr. Lamont Snyder, a constituent of District 24, is a noted visionary, a well-respected mentor and father figure and a nationally recognized Music teacher and Band Director at Hallandale High School in Broward County, Florida.

Mr. Snyder's leadership and dedication turned a small fledgling high school band of amateur players into a nationally recognized and talented organization of skilled musicians and performers. The band has competed in and won numerous competitions, marched in the acclaimed Orange Bowl Parade and entertained thousands of people across the country.

Mr. Snyder's devotion and accomplishments earned him the Mr. Holland' Opus Foundation Award in 2004 that was presented to him at New Yolk City's Carnegie Hall. Every year the foundation recognizes the five best band directors in the country.

In 2014, Mr. Snyder marked his 17th year as a Broward County School Band Director. He has used music to instill in his students self- discipline, self-confidence, self-motivation, drive and determination for excellence in everything they do.

He has built a support system, that holds parents, students, alumni, and friends. They allowed the band to flourish and remain competitive. More importantly, it serves as a safe and positive avenue for the students, many of whom have gone on to earn music scholarships to schools like Bethune-Cookman University, Florida State University and Florida A & M University.

Mr. Snyder is a native of Miami, Florida and a graduate of Miami Carol City High School He received a Master's degree in Music from Florida Memorial College.

Mr. Snyder is married to Connie Snyder and is the father of five children: Venita, Lakinya, Regina, Celisse and Lamont, Jr. He is also a grandfather, son, brother and uncle.

Please join me in honoring Mr. Lamont S. Snyder for his commitment to our children, their education and musical enlightenment and for his commitment to our community.

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

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 was educated in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Mr. Clark worked tirelessly to make a difference in the community he loved. 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 and 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. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a member of the famed Marching 100, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's (FAMU) matching 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 honoring the late Mr. Harcourt Irvin Clark, Sr., who lived a life of purpose, commitment and service his family, his friends, and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I use today to recognize Ms. Fran Allegra, leader of the program, ``Our Kids.''

Under Ms. Allegra's leadership, ``Our Kids,'' has distinguished itself as a leader in the child welfare field. Ms. Allegra has also built a strong team of dedicated professionals who work hard to support our community's most vulnerable kids and their families. She has also brought together a cohesive network of local non-profit organizations committed to providing quality services.

Ms. Allegra's commitment has resulted in Our Kids receiving several prestigious recognitions, from national organizations, which include Computerworld, Mobile Enterprise Magazine and the Congressional Coalition on Adoptions, and positioned Our Kids as an industry leader and innovator for bringing cutting-edge, new technologies to field- based, direct care staff and pioneering a new business model for social services nationwide.

Please join me in honoring Ms. Fran Allegra for her commitment to our children and their families and for her dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Talmadge Willard Fair, a pioneer, visionary, and community activist who has provided distinguished and unprecedented leadership as President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Miami for over fifty years.

Mr. Fair became the youngest Executive Director in the history of the Urban League in 1963. Under his leadership, the Urban League of Greater Miami transformed the climate of exclusion in South Florida in the 1960's and ushered in a new era of inclusion and social change.

He successfully orchestrated campaigns that led to Miami's retail, airline, banking and other industries being integrated, in addition to breaking down racial and discriminatory barriers in education, employment, and housing.

Mr. Fair has worked tirelessly to promote the interests and well- being of the African American community and is deeply committed to solving complex problems--from unemployment to illiteracy--that plague our community. He has offered solutions through expert analysis, publications in the Miami Herald, Miami Magazine, Tropic Magazine, and through interviews with 60 Minutes, the Tom Brokaw Show, and Ebony Magazine.

Mr. Fair continues to focus on education as an equalizer and driver of success. Through the Urban League's education program, he continues to work to strengthen educational opportunities for our children and instill in them the belief that education is vital to their success and the success of their communities.

Mr. Fair has served as an adjunct professor at the Atlanta University School of Social Work. Bethune-Cookman University, Florida International University, and the National Urban League's Whitney M. Young, Jr. Center for Urban Leadership. He has also been recognized by various organizations through awards, accolades, and appointments, including former Secretary of State Colin Powell's Advisory Committee on Cultural Affairs, President Obama's Commission on White House Fellowships-Miami Regional Selection Panel, the United States' Advisory Committee on Cultural Affairs, and is past chairperson of the Florida State Board of Education.

Please join me in honoring Mr. Talmadge Willard Fair for his unwavering dedication and commitment to strengthening and ensuring educational and economic opportunities for our community and to improving the overall quality of life in South Florida, across the state and around the country.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of the late Judge Calvin Reid Mapp, Sr., the first black County Court Judge in Miami-Dade County. Judge Mapp was appointed in 1973 by Governor Reuben Askew to fill a vacancy created by the Florida Legislature's reorganization of the state's judicial system. Judge Mapp presided over criminal, traffic, and juvenile cases from 1973 to 1994 when he retired.

Judge Mapp's interest in community service started long before he was appointed to the bench. In the 1950's, he served as a patrolman and traffic instructor with the City of Miami's visibly segregated police department, where black officers operated out of a black precinct in the publicized Central Negro District.

Judge Mapp received his law degree in 1963 from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C. After receiving his L.L.B. Degree, he returned to Miami and worked for several years as an Assistant State Attorney for State Attorney Richard Gerstein. In 1968, he resigned his position to join the law firm of James, Matthews, and Harold Braynon to form the new firm of Matthews, Braynon, and Mapp, P.A.

His early education was completed at Dunbar Elementary, and he later attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, in Miami, Florida.

Please join me in honoring the late Judge Calvin Reid Mapp, Sr., for his commitment and dedication to his community and the citizens of Miami-Dade County.

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.