Frederica Wilson

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor retired educator, Mrs. Agenoria Lucille Spearman Paschal, a legendary pioneer in education in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, a visionary way ahead of her time, a dedicated community servant, and an advocate for students, teachers, parents and our schools, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor: Whereas, Mrs. Paschal served Miami-Dade County Public Schools and her community for over 40 years, inspiring thousands of students and developing programs that resulted in groundbreaking changes and improvements within the Miami- Dade County Public School System, for which she was honored with numerous awards and national recognition; Whereas. Mrs. Paschal held the positions of teacher, assistant principal, principal, and director, and implemented programs including the Mobile Reading Clinic, Non-Graded Grouping, Magic Circle Awareness and extended Public Library Services; Whereas, Mrs. Paschal was instrumental in the writing of an educational proposal that led to the opening of the first segregated elementary school in the Miami-Dade County Public School System, initially called Primary School C and later named Thena Crowder Elementary School; Whereas, Mrs. Paschal opened Olinda Elementary School in Liberty City, served as its first principal and successfully ran its Triple-T Program, a collaboration between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the University of Miami that provided training and further education for teachers and paraprofessionals, many of whom went on to become assistant principals, principals and directors who also made outstanding contributions to education; 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 Mrs. Agenoria Lucille Spearman Paschal, for her leadership and outstanding contributions to education in Miami-Dade County Public Schools. and for her selfless, unwavering commitment and dedication to our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mrs. Maria H. Arenas, beloved educator, wife and mother who passed away on June 21, 2013. I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor: Whereas, Mrs. Arenas was an enthusiastic educator and administrator in the Miami-Dade County Public School system for over thirty years until her retirement in summer of 2006; Whereas, Mrs. Arenas was a lifelong devotee to the pursuit of knowledge, earning her high school degree from Miami Northwestern High School in 1965, a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech and Theater Arts from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, a Master of Science degree in Educational Curriculum, and had, at the time of her passing, completed all of the required coursework toward earning a Doctoral degree in Education; Whereas, Mrs. Arenas travelled extensively around the world and allowed others to share her experiences through social media websites; Whereas, Mrs. Arenas was a vibrant member of the Red Hatters and numerous other civic and social 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, commend Mrs. Maria H. Arenas for her years of service and dedication to Miami-Dade County Public Schools her community, and to her family.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mr. William J. Calhoun one of the first African-American police dispatchers for the City of Miami Police Department, and dedicated community activist. I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: Whereas, Officer William J. Calhoun dutifully served and protected the citizens of the City of Miami and was one of the police department's first African-American dispatchers; Whereas, Officer Calhoun bravely served his country as a member of the United States Navy and the United States Army; Whereas, Officer Calhoun's valiant efforts lead to the restoration and preservation of the Black Police Precinct and Courthouse and its designation as a historical site in the City of Miami; Whereas, Officer Calhoun selflessly gave back to his community by serving as a board member for many Liberty City organizations such as the Martin Luther King Economic Development Corporation, the Belafonte Talcolcy Center, and the City of Miami Department of Code Enforcement; Whereas, Officer Calhoun was a devoted member of the New Way Fellowship Praise and Worship Center where he assisted in the security and the retirees' ministries; 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 Officer William J. Calhoun for his service to our country and our community, for his activism, and for his dedication to his family and friends.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Pastor Dr. Annette Anderson, a true servant of God, a beloved and respected spiritual leader, and a dedicated social activist in Miami Gardens, Florida. Pastor Annette Anderson devoted her life to serving God and spreading His Word. She lived her life based on the teachings and lessons in the Bible, which also served as a guide to raising her family and working to improve our community and quality of life. Pastor Anderson never met a stranger, nor tired of helping those in need. Her unwavering faith in God, love for all people and words of wisdom are credited with bringing comfort to the suffering at their darkest hour and restoring their faith. As pastor and teacher of Light of Life Ministries, a weekly prayer and Bible study ministry, and assistant pastor of Breakthrough Deliverance and Healing Prayer Ministries, Incorporated, Pastor Anderson touched the lives of countless people. She did not believe in dwelling on the past and past circumstances but using life's struggles as steppingstones to strengthen one's faith in Jesus. Pastor Anderson earned a bachelor's degree from Jacksonville Theological Seminary; a Master of Theology Degree and Posthumous Doctoral Degree in Theology from Practical Christianity Institute of Evangelism (PCIE), School of Bible Theology. Please join me in honoring the late Pastor Dr. Annette Anderson, for her commitment, dedication and service to God, her congregation, her family and friends and our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations, and birthday wishes to Mrs. Fannett Clark Lyons, an outstanding citizen, wife, mother and friend who celebrated her 100th birthday. Mrs. Clark Lyons has lived an exemplary life of service to her family, her church and her community. Mrs. Clark Lyons was born in the Miami's Overtown neighborhood, on September 14, 1913. She was the oldest of six children, and after losing her father at a young age, she helped raise her siblings. Mrs. Clark Lyons is the mother of four: Leonard, Rosemary, Franklin, and Marvin (deceased). She has sixteen grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. Ms. Clark Lyons has been an active member of Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church for over fifty years. She enjoys cheering for the Miami Dolphins and the Miami Heat; her favorite sports teams. She also enjoys cooking Bahamian food, and her specialty is pigeon peas and rice. Please join me in honoring Mrs. Fannett Clark Lyons on this remarkable milestone, her 100th birthday.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize the grand reopening of the Haitian Historical Museum and Archives in North Miami, Florida and include in the Record a proclamation on commending the efforts of Haitian American Historical Society (HAHS): Whereas, the Haitian Historical Museum and Archives-- through artifact, paintings, photography and performances-- tells the story of Haiti's history and rich culture; Whereas, the Haitian Historical Museum and Archives documents and showcases the contributions of Haitians and Haitian descendants to South Florida, the United States and other parts of the world; Whereas, the Haitian Historical Museum and Archives serve to educate future generations of Haitian Americans about their heritage and build a connection to Haiti; Whereas, the Haitian Historical Museum and Archives serve to foster understanding, tolerance and cooperation between South Florida's diverse communities; and Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 25th Congressional District of Florida, commend the Haitian American Historical Society for preserving Haitian history and fostering a resurgence of interest in Haitian culture among South Floridians.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Tequila Janae Tekeysha Forshee. I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor: Whereas, Tequila was a vibrant, fun loving and beautiful 12-year-old girl who loved to help others and dreamed of one day becoming a chef and a detective; Whereas, Tequila enjoyed mathematics and excelled in her studies at Brentwood Elementary School and looked forward to attending Miami Carol City Middle School; Whereas, Tequila's hard work as a student earned her a place on the Assistant Principal's Honor Roll and numerous awards such as the Language Arts Achievement Award, and the Mathematics Achievement Award; Whereas, Tequila was a member of the dance praise team at Gospel of Tabernacle and a water girl at Brentwood Park; 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 pay tribute to Tequila Janae Tekeysha Forshee, a precious angel with a big heart and who was deeply loved by her family, friends and classmates.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the legacy and impact of Dorothy Ballard Gibson, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor: Whereas, Dorothy Ballard Gibson graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1948, and went on to pursue a career in healthcare, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the Medical College of Virginia; Whereas, Mrs. Gibson dedicated her life to healthcare in South Florida, working as a registered nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital in 1956, Kendall Hospital in 1962, and as a supervisor at the Veterans Administration Hospital from 1966 until her retirement in 1990; Whereas, Mrs. Gibson and her husband Sampson established Michael's Kindergarten, Inc., and educated thousands of children from Miami's Liberty City, Opa-locka, Carol City and numerous other communities, at four-day care centers; Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was an active member of Mt. Zion AME Church, where she served with the Missionary Society, the Trustee Board, Youth Development Department, the Little Folk Choir and the Founder of the Dorothy Gibson Lay Organization; Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was an active member in her community and often lobbied the State Legislature as a children's advocate; Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was honored by the Miami-Dade County Child Development Services and received numerous awards, including the daycare center she founded, Michael's Kindergarten, Inc., being named Day Care Center of the Year; 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 life and accomplishments of Mrs. Dorothy Ballard Gibson.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the late Elder Ruben Alexander Cox, Jr. and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: 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 ministry for over 50 years; Whereas, Elder Cox dedicated his life to preaching and teaching the word of God, and by teaching messages of hope and love 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 community's 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 and husband 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.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend legendary Reggae superstar Hugh Beresford ``Beres'' Hammond, known to his legions of fans and the music world as Beres Hammond, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: Whereas, Mr. Hammond's distinctive, romantic and soulful style, which was influenced by American soul and jazz music, and native Jamaican artists he grew up listening to in Annotto Bay, Jamaica, has garnered him international notoriety and acclaim; Whereas, Mr. Hammond began singing and performing in local talent shows in the 1970's, and his career spanned more than 40 years, resulting in numerous hit singles and albums that have topped music charts. Whereas, Mr. Hammond formed his own record label, Harmony Records, in 1985 and released his album ``Make a Song,'' which had two Jamaican chart-toppers and set the stage for his success and recognition in the Reggae music industry; Whereas, Mr. Hammond's 2012 album ``One Love, One Life,'' topped the Billboard Reggae Albums chart. He has performed with iconic musicians, including Maxi Priest, Wyclef Jean, Buju Banton and Big Youth; 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 Hugh Beresford ''Beres'' Hammond for his talent and dedication to his art, and for his contributions the music industry.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Minister Gary Range, a lifelong community activist and spiritual leader. Minister Range is a member of 93rd Street Community Baptist Church and has spent his life working to improving the quality of life for the less fortunate and spreading the word of God. Minister Range is also known for reaching out to those in our community who have lost their way in life and their faith. He brings hope and inspiration by sharing through his motivational words and vast knowledge of the Bible. Public service is a way of life for Minister Range, who carries on family legacy of service begun by his late mother, M. Athalie Range, and his father, the late Oscar L. Range. Mrs. Range was the first African American to serve as a Miami City Commissioner and the first African American and woman to head a Florida state agency, the Department of Community Affairs. Minister Range's father was also a well-known community activist, mortician, and entrepreneur. Minster Range is a proud father of seven children. He graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School and continued his education at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Please join me in honoring Minister Gary Range for his commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Karen Aronowitz, and I include in the Record the following proclamation in her honor: Whereas, Karen Aronowitz served three terms as President of United Teachers of Dade (UTD) and represented 32,000 teachers and education support professionals in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools system; Whereas, Mrs. Aronowitz led successful reform initiatives, including a secondary school reform model for senior high schools and a School Improvement Zone for underperforming schools within Miami-Dade County, which served as a national model for improved school performance; Whereas, Mrs. Aronowitz created UTD's Education Summit which brings educational leaders and social issue activists to Miami-Dade in interactive sessions with teachers: Whereas. Mrs. Aronowitz established the UTD Teaching Excellence Foundation to promote professional development opportunities for educators; Whereas, Mrs. Aronowitz serves on the American Federation of Teachers Executive Council, is a member of AFT's Human Rights and Community Relations Committee and Democracy Committee, serves on the United Way of Miami-Dade Public Policy Committee and is a member of the Miami-Chapter of the

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Clifford Chesson a longtime Miami Dade County Public Schools Employee. I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: Whereas, Mr. Chesson was an employee of the Miami-Dad County Public Schools security team for many years; Whereas, Mr. Chesson was a strong advocate for the safety and well-being of Miami-Dade Public Schools' students, faculty and staff, administrators, school board members, employees, volunteers and vendor; Whereas, Mr. Chesson performed his duties with dedication, passion and integrity; Whereas, Mr. Chesson stood up for what he believed in and answered the call to serve our country in 1978, by joining the United States Army, where he served 20 years, and another five years in Army Reserve; Whereas, Mr. Chesson dedicated his life to public service and offered inspiration to many; Whereas, Mr. Chesson was a man of strong faith in God, a dedicated husband to his wife Barbara, and daughters Camille, Shanika Chesson-Ivy and Frederica Parks; 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 honor the late Mr. Clifford Chesson for his commitment to his family, our community and our country.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. Johnnie L. Williams, Jr., one of Miami's first Black business owners. I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: Whereas, Mr. Johnnie L. Williams, Jr., served Miami-Dade County with integrity and commitment to protecting and serving its citizens for over 40 years; Whereas, Mr. Williams was bound by his beliefs in equality, fairness and justice for African Americans, employees of Miami-Dade County, students and families. He generously gave and supported various charitable organizations, including little league teams in Opa locka, Miami Gardens and Liberty City; Whereas, Mr. Williams worked tirelessly to ``balance the scales of justice.'' and ensure the safety of our youth; Whereas, Mr. Williams was one of the first Black business owners in Miami-Dade County, running an NFL Skycap and Porters business; Whereas, Mr. Williams was a member and advocate of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and served as the President of the Orange Ridge Corporation; Whereas, Mr. Williams served in the United States Navy, and is a veteran of World War II; 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 life and accomplishments of Mr. Johnnie L. Williams, Jr.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor retired mail clerk, Mr. Matthew Williams, Jr., an ardent and honorable member of the United States Postal Service for 32 years, who began his career as a truck driver before rising through the ranks to become a mail clerk. I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: Whereas, Mr. Williams has received numerous awards and accolades for his enthusiastic performance during his tenure including perfect attendance, achieving over 1500 hours of sick leave, and a dedication to service award; Whereas, Mr. Williams provided an invaluable service to his country as a member of the United States Army in both Vietnam and Korea achieving the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1975; Whereas. Mr, Williams' unwavering devotion to God has been evidenced by his ministration as Deacon, Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School, and Usher at Greater New Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church; Whereas, Mr. Williams has been the loving and devoted husband of Sandra Williams for 37 years, father of Senior Master Chief Heerey C. Gaston, Jr., Tameka W. Jones, Monique W. Deggins, and Matthew B. Williams, III, and grandfather of nine grandchildren; 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. Matthew Williams, Jr. for his years of commitment and faithful service to his country, his community, and his family.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend Mr. Ray Mou. I include in the Record the following proclamation in his honor: Whereas, Mr. Ray Mou, Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), in Miami since September 2010, has overseen trade relations between Florida and Taiwan that have improved by 20 percent with an average bilateral trade volume of more than $817 Million; Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked closely with the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Florida to explore and develop business opportunities, such as trade missions between Miami entrepreneurs and Taiwan; Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked to strengthen relations between Taiwan and Miami political and business leaders by coordinating annual visits; Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked to foster a relationship between 32 universities to promote language and cultural learning programs offered at the Taiwan Academy; Whereas, Mr. Mou has taken an active role in Haiti's reconstruction after the earthquake by taking part in humanitarian aid projects of the international charity NGO ``Food for the Poor;'' Whereas, Mr. Mou has worked to educate South Floridians about Asian culture through Chinese gourmet cuisines, traditional artistries and Taiwanese products; Whereas, Mr. Mou has spent the past three years working to promote a strong and lasting business relationship not just in South Florida but across the state; 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. Ray Mou, Director General of Miami's Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, for his commitment to our community's economic, educational and humanitarian growth.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor Reverend Wilner Maxy, a well-respected religious leader, and dedicated community and international activist. Reverend Maxy is one of the founding members of Emmanuel Haitian Baptist Church, in Miami, in 1973, and has been the pastor of the church since 1983. In that time, he has served as a dedicated liaison between Miami-Dade County's Haitian and Baptist communities and the local and statewide government officials. His selfless service as chairman of the Haitian Pastors Association, a member of the Board of Trustees for Baptist Health Systems, and other boards in the community show his passion for both his religion and his community. In his 30 years of passionate leadership, Reverend Maxy has helped the Emmanuel Haitian Baptist Church grow from 200 members to over 1,300, created a scholarship for young men and women who wish to go to seminary and enter the ministry, expanded the church's outreach program to include eight churches and three schools in Haiti, as well as planned to broaden the ministry to Orlando, Pompano Beach, and South Miami. Because of his efforts to keep crime and drugs from ruining the lives of those in his community, he has been awarded the key to the city of Miami by Mayor Manny Diaz and County Mayor Alex Alvarez. He was also given the honor of having April 1st designated as Wilner Maxy Day in the City of North Miami by Mayor Andre Pierre. Please join me in honoring Reverend Wilner Maxy for his commitment, dedication and service to our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor 2012 Milken Educator Award recipient, Kevin Williams; the principal at Norwood Elementary School, in Miami Gardens, Florida. The distinction and a $25,000 cash prize is given by the California- based Milken Family Foundation, to recognize educators across the country who have boosted student achievement. Principal Williams has received an A-grade from the state of Florida since 2005 to 2006. Norwood Elementary School has more than 500 students, with about 25 percent enrolled in special education programs. The Milken Educator Awards were created in 1985 by education reform leader Lowell Milken to celebrate, elevate and activate excellence in the profession. To date, more than 2,500 K-12 teachers, principals and specialists coast to coast have been honored with over $63 million in individual, unrestricted $25,000 awards. More than $135 million has been devoted to the overall program, which includes powerful professional development opportunities throughout the recipients' careers in education. Please join me in honoring Norwood Elementary School Principal Kevin Williams for his commitment and dedication to educating our students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the Mayor of the City of North Miami, Andre D. Pierre. Mayor Pierre is a celebrated Haitian American who has received numerous commendations for his leadership, his vision and his contributions to education and the economic growth of the city, the fourth largest in Miami-Dade County and home to more than 60 thousand residents. He is also known for work with Haitian immigrants and being on the forefront of immigration reform. Since he was elected Mayor, in 2009, the City of North Miami has received four national awards: The All-American City, 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 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. Mayor Pierre is credited with the establishment of the North Miami Education Foundation, Incorporated, which provides scholarships through Take Stock in Children, the North Miami Adult Education Center, the Florida International University First Generation Scholarship and the North Miami Memorial Scholarship. Please join me in honoring City of North Miami Mayor, Andre C. Pierre, for his commitment, dedication and service to his constituents, and his community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend The United Ghanaians Association of South Florida (UGASF). I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas, The United Ghanaians Association of South Florida (UGASF) is celebrating Ghana's independence from British colonial power, 56 years ago on March 6, at their annual observance entitled ``Ghana's 56th Independence Anniversary Gala; Whereas, UGASF was started in 1994 to provide support and financial assistance to bereaved Ghanaians and has grown into a 501.3c non-profit organization that promotes the well-being and social prosperity of Ghanaians living in the tri-county area of South Florida (Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties); Whereas, UGASF's aim to share the unity, strength, education and cultural diversity of Ghana (West Africa) in South Florida has manifested into annual appearances and performances at festivals, schools and colleges; Whereas, UGASF's commitment to creating and expanding economic opportunities impacts the more than four-thousand Ghanaians and associates living in, working in and contributing to South Florida as parents, teachers, physicians, nurses and healthcare employees, mechanics, business owners, students, accountants, lawyers among others; Whereas, UGASF support of the ``One Broward Initiative,'' launched in 2001, by the Broward County Multicultural Advisory Board, works to expand inclusion and to improve the quality of life--economically, socially, politically, and culturally--for Ghanaians, and all residents in Broward County; Whereas, UGASF's influence and charitable arm has extended beyond U.S. borders with the adoption of a flooded village in Northern Ghana, which it is helping to rebuild; Whereas, UGASF has had an impact on South Florida's diverse community and will commemorate Ghana's independence with an elegant evening of authentic Ghanaian Culture, exquisite dining of traditional food, drumming and dancing; 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 United Ghanaians Association of South Florida for its commitment and dedication to equality, and racial and cultural diversity in South Florida.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend the Florida Department of Children and Families' efforts to promote healthy eating habits and increased activity for the children of Florida. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) has proclaimed June 26, 2012, as ``DCF-Make Healthy Happen Miami Day.'' Under the leadership of its program called Communities Putting Prevention to Work, DCF is dedicated to increasing health awareness in Miami Dade County. DCF is particularly focused on the health of Miami's young people. The Department of Health of Miami-Dade County was awarded 14.7 million dollars in order to fund the Communities Putting Prevention to Work Program (CPPW). The CPPW initiative seeks to boost our youth's health by instituting regulatory policies over certain foods and by encouraging more exercise. DCF pursues its goals for Miami's children through a series of activities. Through its CPPW program, the Department of Children and Families formed a partnership with institutions, like Publix, Home Depot, Short Chef, and Johnson and Wales. Together with these institutions, the CPPW was able to provide children with hands-on experiences with healthy foods. These experiences provided these children with a realistic way of approaching healthy eating. A community that encourages healthy lifestyles ultimately produces healthy and active citizens. Now more than ever, it is important that we provide our citizens with the resources they need to help increase their health. The DCF's ``Make Healthy Happen Miami Dade'' draws attention to initiatives taken by the CPPW and other groups to make healthy happen for Miami. Please join me in recognizing the Department of Children and Families for its commitment to our children and increasing health in Miami Dade County.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor one of South Florida's Drug Enforcement Agency Supervisory Special Agent Alvin N. Rollins who is retiring after 30 years of service to our country. Special Agent Rollins began his law enforcement career on February 25, 1983, with the DEA as a Basic Agent Trainee in the Washington Field Division. In 1999, he was reassigned to the Miami Field Division as a senior investigator, where he initiated an investigation that dismantled a major drug organization operating in Opa-locka, Florida. Special Agent Rollins career would then take him to the Caribbean where he helped to establish narcotic units for several Caribbean nations. He was promoted to Supervisory Special Agent and would later serve as a principal advisor to the U.S. Ambassador in Port au Prince, Haiti, on all counter-narcotic related matters. After the 2004 coup in Haiti, Special Agent Rollins served as principal advisor to the incoming Marines Commander and United Nations Peacekeeping forces. He also oversaw several major operations that resulted in 18 major criminals being arrested and transported to the South District of Florida to face narcotic charges. Special Agent Rollins was reassigned to the Miami Field Division in 2005 as the Supervisory Special Agent for the Special Support Unit responsible for Firearms, Recruiting, Demand Reduction and Training. He is a member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, National Association of Black Narcotics Officers, Chairperson of Haiti Committee and he is a member of the Fountain of New Life Church, where he is Chairman of the Parking Lot Ministry. Please join me in honoring Supervisory Special Agent Alvin N. Rollins for his commitment, dedication and service to his community and our country.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th district, of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor South Florida's Haitian Heritage Museum. I include in the Record the following proclamation: Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum is an integral part of our community, embodying and preserving Haiti's rich culture and heritage; Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum has given Haitian art a permanent and prominent place in South Florida's art community; Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum's scholarship program provides deserving students an opportunity to further their education and perfect their talent as artists; Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum will honor community leaders who have made extraordinary contributions to Haitian heritage and culture during its 9th Annual Discover Haiti Gala on Saturday, February 23rd; Whereas, the Haitian Heritage Museum will present the Father Jean Juste Visionary Award, named after the visionary leader who advocated for human rights and social justice on behalf of Haiti's poor; Whereas, Father Jean Juste is widely regarded as the ``Godfather'' of Miami's Little Haiti community; 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 tremendous contributions of the Haitian Heritage Museum to South Florida: Affirm the importance of promoting and preserving Haitian art and culture; and Honor the recipients of the Father Jean Juste Visionary Award.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Rhonda M. Smith, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of The Breast Cancer Partner, an organization that focuses on breast cancer recovery through health and wellness and is located in Miami, Florida. Ms. Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. In 2010, she opened Breast Cancer Partner. Its mission is to empower breast cancer survivors to live strong, healthy and balanced lives by providing support, information, tools and resources to shepherd them through recovery. Breast Cancer Partner strives to show breast cancer survivors the paths to an integrated health and wellness lifestyle so that they can recover, restore and reenergize themselves after treatment. Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. I am honored to recognize Rhonda M. Smith, a breast cancer survivor and founder of Breast Cancer Partner, for her dedication and commitment to our community.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District, of the great state of Florida. I rise today to recognize and honor the late Haitian activist, pioneer, community leader and businessman, Viter Juste. Mr. Juste was active in the development of Miami's ``Little Haiti'' community and helped thousands of Haitian immigrants assimilate into life in South Florida in the early 80s. As Haitian immigrants arrived and settled into South Florida, in the 80s, Juste fought against discrimination against Haitians and was successful in getting a reversal of a Miami-Dade School Board decision that prohibited the enrollment of undocumented Haitian students. He also started an adult- education program, where he taught English to new arrivals. Mr. Juste is one of the founders and was the first chairmen of the Haitian-American Community Association of Dade, which was one of the first social-service agencies dedicated to the Haitian community. As a businessman, Mr. Juste established one of the first Haitian- owned businesses in the community. He opened a French-and-Creole- Language records and bookstore called Les Cousins Records and Books. He went on to publish a French-Ianguage 12-page weekly newspaper. He was born December 15, 1924, in La Gonave, an island off mainland Haiti. Mr. Juste arrived in South Florida with his wife and children in 1973, after spending a few years in New York. Please join me in honoring the late Viter Juste for his commitment, dedication and many years of distinguished service in Miami-Dade County.