The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT OF FIVE BLACK COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
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HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON
of florida
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the historical achievement of the five black commissioners serving on the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners.
For the first time in its 185-year history, the citizens of Miami-
Dade County are being represented by five black County Commissioners. This achievement is held by Vice Chairman Oliver Gilbert, III, Commissioners Jean Monestime, Keon Hardemon, Danielle Cohen Higgins, and Kionne McGhee.
Vice-Chairman Oliver Gilbert III representing District 1 is a seasoned attorney that comes to the Board of County Commissioners after serving his hometown of Miami Gardens as its two-term mayor. He is a true advocate for the youth and the economic development of his community. He served formerly as the president of the African American mayors Association, and also held a seat on the board of directors of several boards, including the National League of Cities.
Commissioner Jean Monestime representing District 2 is the first Haitian American to represent the Board of County Commissioners after being elected in 2010. In 2014. he was unanimously chosen to serve as Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners for two years. He is a former City of North Miami Councilman and Vice-Mayor. Commissioner Monestime is an advocate for equal justice.
Commissioner Keon Hardemon representing District 3 is a Miami native. He holds tight the values that his family instilled in him: education, integrity, and most importantly service to the community. Prior to joining the Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Hardemon served as a City of Miami Commissioner. In addition, he served as the Chairman of the Southeast Overtown and Park West Community Redevelopment Agency
(CRA). He also served as a Miami-Dade County Assistant Public Defender where he represented hundreds of clients from the Miami-Dade County Community.
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins representing District 8 is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, an attorney, and a small business owner. She is the first of her family to graduate from college and went on to graduate from law school. Commissioner Higgins is dedicated to serving small businesses and environmental sustainability measures.
Commissioner Kionne McGhee representing District 9 is a South Dade native coming to the Board of County Commissioners from the Florida House of Representatives where he recently served as the Minority Leader. Commissioner McGhee is also an accomplished attorney and author.
This historic group of commissioners bring with them experience, political and governmental acumen, passion, and an abundance of commitment towards improving the lives of Miami-Dade County residents. The foundation laid by their predecessors Earl Caroll (1968-1972), Edward T. Graham (1972-1975), Neal F. Adams (1975-1979), Barbara Carey-
Shuler (1979-1990 & 1996-2005), Arthur E. Teele, Jr. (1990-1996), James Burke (1990-1998), Betty T. Ferguson (1993-2000), Dorrin D. Rolle
(1998-2006), Dennis C. Moss (1993-2020), Barbara J. Jordan (2004-2020), and Audrey M. Edmonson (2005-2020) ensures a brighter future for all of Miami-Dade County.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues and all Americans to please join me in recognizing these Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners for their contributions and for their commitment to the diverse citizens of our community, state and country.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 150
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