Frederica Wilson

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Dorothy Wallace for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Dorothy Wallace's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Dorothy Wallace for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Edwidge Labbe, my intern who has completed her Summer 2022 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Edwidge has proven to be a very articulate young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors. Edwidge has assisted my office in various areas, such as education policy, constituent outreach, and research. She has demonstrated her ability to adapt and ask questions. Edwidge has presented excellent drive and a continuous willingness to learn. The daughter of Jeanphillipe and Martine Labbe, Edwidge was raised in Delray, Florida. A proud Gator, she is enrolled in the University of Florida where she studies at the College of Liberal Arts. She also volunteers at Lake Forest Elementary in hopes of closing the opportunity gap amongst Black and brown children. Upon transitioning from her internship, Edwidge will return to school to complete her final semester. She will continue to nurture her knowledge and use her experience and developing expertise to bridge the gap between experiential learning and professional development. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Edwidge Labbe for her present and future accomplishments.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, as a congressional representative of the Haitian community in South Florida, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Haitian music icon Michael ``Mikaben'' Benjamin. Born in 1981 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti to legendary Haitian singer Lionel and famed doctor Roseline Benjamin, Michael was just 16 years old when he was introduced to the Haitian music scene with his performance of ``Nwel Tristes'' alongside his sister Melodie Benjamin. He released his first album Vwayaj that following year, which featured one of his most popular hits, ``Ou Pati.'' The success of ``Ou Pati'' would pave his musical journey as a singer, composer, and producer. He would go on to release more hits such as``Ayiti Se,'' ``TI Pam Nan,'' ``Fe Lapli,'' and ``Marry Me,'' He would also sing and produced hits such as ``Fanm Sa Move'' and ``Baby I Missed You'' for Carimi and hits for other global music acts including Kai, Enposib, Harmonik, Kreyol La, T-Vice, Karizma, Alan Cave, Ruthshelle Guillaume, Leila Chicot, J- Perry, and Lionel Benjamin, his father. Mikaben's music transcended genres and cultures. Along with his musical accomplishments, Mikaben will be remembered for being a loving son, husband, father, patriot, mentor, and philanthropist. He empowered many Haitian children through his Ti Souf Foundation. The image of him draped in the Haitian flag while performing with Carimi, moments before his passing, is indelibly etched in the minds and hearts of millions of Haitians and others around the world. On October 15, 2022, Mikaben suddenly collapsed while walking off stage after performing his hit song ``Ou Pati.'' He was later pronounced dead despite medical intervention. He was performing in front of a sold-out audience at a reunion concert for Carimi, a famed Haitian band, that was held at Eastern Paris? Accor Arena. Mikaben is survived by his pregnant wife Vanessa Fanfan, his two children, and his parents, Lionel and Roseline Benjamin, He is also survived by his two siblings and countless fans from around the world. Understandably, the Haitian community has been devastated by the sudden passing of Mikaben. The community has galvanized to honor him and support his family. Madam Speaker and everyone in this nation, please join me in honoring the life and legacy of legendary musician Michael ``Mikaben'' Benjamin.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Iral Porter for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Iral Porter's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Iral Porter for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Cornelia ``Corky'' Dozier for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Cornelia ``Corky'' Dozier's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Cornelia ``Corky'' Dozier for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Ambassador Wendall K. Jones for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Ambassador Wendall K. Jones' commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Ambassador Wendall K. Jones for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Joe King for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Joe King's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Joe King for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Countess Balogun for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Countess Balogun's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Countess Balogun for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians, to recognize Apostle John Chambers for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Apostle John Chambers' commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Apostle John Chambers for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Pastor Lance Bailey for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Pastor Lance Bailey's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Pastor Lance Bailey for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Leona Cooper-Baker for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Leona Cooper-Baker's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Leona Cooper-Baker for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service and accomplishments of Max P. Wolf-Johnson, my senior legislative assistant who is transitioning from my office to pursue an advanced degree. Max joined my office in 2018 and has blossomed into an extraordinary policy expert and leader. Max has been instrumental in my efforts to change the landscape of American higher education and provide more support to HBCUs. Further, he has helped to advance labor-related legislation that ensures critical provisions for America's workers and supports Job Corps in the next WIOA reauthorization. His actions have led to countless wins in education and labor policy, and he has gained a wealth of knowledge in both respective areas. Additionally, Max has been willing to take on whatever assignment or job placed before him. His ability to take on new positions and excel is a testament to his work ethic and versatility. Though a proud native of the state of California, Max has treated Miami as his second home through his tireless work. A son of educators and a graduate of public K-12 schools, he understands the importance of the public school system. After graduating high school, Max earned an associate degree at the College of Marin and a bachelor's degree at the University of California Berkeley, both in political science and government. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Max Wolf-Johnson for his extraordinary accomplishments, commitment to public service, and trailblazing leadership.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize VonCarol Kinchens for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, VonCarol Kinchens' commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring VonCarol Kinchens for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize City of Miami Commissioner Ken Russell for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Commissioner Ken Russell's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Commissioner Ken Russell for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Reynold Martin for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Reynold Martin's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Reynold Martin for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Merline Barton for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Merline Barton's commitment to preserving the rich Bahamian culture and history of Miami has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Merline Barton for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Dr. Freddie Young for her contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Dr. Freddie Young's commitment to preserving Miami's rich Bahamian culture and history has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Dr. Freddie Young for her contributions to the community and her role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Minister Frederick Mitchell for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19, 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Minister Frederick Mitchell's commitment to preserving Miami's rich Bahamian culture and history has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Minister Frederick Mitchell for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today as a descendant of Bahamians to recognize Gregory Simpson for his contribution to the City of Miami's designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove on July 19 2022. Since the 19th century, Bahamians played an integral role in the founding of the City of Miami, representing one-third of the registered signatories on July 28, 1896, the date of the city's incorporation. Much like Miami's original Bahamian signatories, Gregory Simpson's commitment to preserving Miami's rich Bahamian culture and history has helped to ensure the designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Gregory Simpson for his contributions to the community and his role in the historic designation of the Little Bahamas of Coconut Grove.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Patrick Barham Quesada, my Press Secretary, and Digital Director, who faithfully served the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Patrick, a gifted writer and dynamic digital curator, assisted with all communications efforts coming from my office and oversaw my social media platforms. His talent, knowledge, and creativity were consistently displayed throughout his work as he kept me aware of current news and political developments. The son of Leda Quesada Barham and Bruce Barham, Patrick was raised in Miami, Florida. A graduate of Harvard College with a degree in Government and Sociology, Patrick began his political career at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While on leave from school, he helped elect Miami-Dade's first female mayor and served as her speechwriter. An exceptional example of excellence coming from Miami's public schools, Patrick has proven that he possesses the capability to succeed in any role he takes on in the future. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Patrick Barham Quesada for his present and future accomplishments.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Kylie Hay-Roe, my intern who has completed her spring 2022 semester serving the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Kylie has proven to be a very capable young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors. Kylie has assisted my office in various areas, including appropriations, communications, and constituent and community engagement. She has shown a great understanding of the legislative process and has demonstrated her ability to adapt to the political arena. Kylie has presented an excellent work ethic and willingness to learn. The daughter of Mirian and Keith Hay-Roe, Kylie was born in Gainesville, Florida, where she is enrolled in the University of Florida's Honors Program. She is majoring in Political Science and International Studies, which she plans to use to foster greater global engagement and international development for a more sustainable, equitable, and secure future. During her time as a University of Florida Gator, Kylie has also served as an Ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences along with the International Mentorship Association. Upon transitioning from her internship, Kylie will complete a study abroad program in Iceland to learn about renewable energy systems before interning with the UF Sahel Research Group to learn about the cultural, social, and political developments. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Kylie Hay-Roe for her present and future accomplishments.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Aaron Lindsay, who served the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Aaron has proven to be an outstanding addition to my office and shows great passion for everything he does. Aaron has assisted my office in communications, constituent and community engagement, and policy research. He has shown a great understanding of the legislative process, a passion for learning, and a willingness to go above and beyond on assignments. The son of Jeanelle and Tyrone Lindsay, Aaron is a proud Bison enrolled in Howard University's School of Business as a Marketing major. During his time as a Howard University Bison, Aaron has served as a member with the American Marketing Association for the School of Business along with being a Fellow, Panelist Host, and Ambassador for the Warner Music Blavatnik Business Fellowship Program at Howard University. Upon transitioning from his internship, Aaron will proceed to complete his fellowship program with the Warner Music Blavatnik Business Center while also continuing to intern with his marketing background, leading to a Leadership Development role upon graduation. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Aaron Lindsay for his present and future accomplishments.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Isabella Castro, who dedicated her time to serve the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Isabella has proven to be a very capable young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors. Isabella has assisted my office in foreign policy research of the Western Hemisphere and constituent engagement. She primarily informed my office and constituents of ongoing events and issues happening in South America and the islands of the Caribbean. Isabella has demonstrated her ability to adapt and excel in her responsibilities. The daughter of Carmen Silvia Briceno and Carlos Felix Castro, Isabella, a proud first generation Peruvian-American, was raised in Miami, Florida. A proud graduate of the Burnett Honors College at the University of Central Florida, she is a 2022 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow. She received her bachelor's degree in International and Global Studies with minors in Diplomacy and French. Upon transitioning from her congressional fellowship, Isabella will travel to Belgium as a Fulbright Scholar where she will complete an English Teaching Assistantship. Once she completes her Fulbright Program, she will pursue a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University. Inspired by her foreign service work in Nicaragua, Haiti, and Ecuador, Isabella will soon become a Foreign Service Officer. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Isabella Castro for her bright future and inevitable success.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Maria Martinez, my intern who has completed her Fall 2022 semester serving the great people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Maria has proven to be a very capable young woman and shows great promise for her future endeavors. Maria has assisted my office in various areas, including communications, research, and constituent and community engagement. She has proven to be an integral part of my team and has demonstrated her ability to adapt to the political arena. Maria always demonstrated a willingness to learn and consistently produced excellent work product. The daughter of Mayilet Fernandez, Maria was born and raised in Hialeah, Florida. She plans to attend law school and become a humanitarian lawyer to elevate her community. She aspires to inspire the next generation of Dreamers and will surely make a positive impact on many lives. In the Fall, Maria will begin her sophomore year at Columbia University where she is majoring in Mathematics and minoring in Philosophy. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Maria Martinez for her invaluable role in my office and her inevitable success.

Ms. WILSON of Florida

Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Craig Joiner, who dedicated his time to serve the people of Florida's 24th Congressional District. Craig has proven to be a very focused and intentional young man and shows great promise for his future endeavors. Craig has assisted my office in foreign policy research of the Eastern Hemisphere and constituent engagement. He primarily informed my office and constituents of ongoing events and issues happening in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Craig has demonstrated his ability to produce detailed and exceptional work. The son of Shanetta and Cedric Joiner, Craig was born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. A proud graduate of Rice University, he earned bachelor's degrees in Material Science and Asian Studies. A 2022 Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellow, Craig aspires to become a Foreign Service Officer. Inspired by international relations, he has volunteered in Argentina and China and studied abroad at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. Upon transitioning from his congressional fellowship, Craig will pursue his Master of Science in Foreign Service. He will leverage his engineering background, language abilities, and his understanding of global affairs to promote sustainable environment and energy policy internationally. A proud Questbridge Scholar and Gates Millennium Scholar, Craig will serve the United States on an international level upon completion of his Rangle Fellowship. On behalf of Florida's 24th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Craig Joiner for his promising future and inevitable success.