[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 75 (Monday, May 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E760-E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HARCOURT IRVIN CLARK, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 19, 2014

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Mr. Harcourt Irvin Clark, Sr., who passed away on 
Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Memorial Regional Medical Center in 
Hollywood, Florida. Mr. Clark was a loving husband, father, patriot, 
and trailblazer.
  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 received his K-12 education in Miami-Dade County Public 
Schools and graduated from the historic George Washington Carver High 
School in 1953. It was at George Washington Carver High School where he 
developed a passion for music and became a drum major for the school 
marching band.

[[Page E761]]

  The style and showmanship he displayed as a drum major earned him the 
nickname ``Sporty Mingy.'' Upon graduation, Mr. Clark fulfilled his 
dream of becoming a member of the famed Marching 100, Florida 
Agricultural and Mechanical University's (FAMU) marching band. As a 
drum major, he developed leadership skills that benefited him 
throughout his life. While at FAMU, he also met Alice Martha Cabrera, 
who would become the love of his life and his wife of 44 years.
  After leading the Marching 100, Mr. Clark joined the U.S. Army and 
served in Europe. He later returned to the United States to complete 
his studies, earning a Bachelor's Degree, two Master's Degrees, and 
various certifications.
  Mr. Clark worked tirelessly to make a difference. 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, 
and pursued his entrepreneurial spirit by opening ``The Hickory Pit 
Barbeque Restaurant.'' Mr. Clark capped his public service journey as a 
librarian in the city of North Miami.
  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 (Life Member #227), and a member 
of The Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge, Prince Hall Affiliated.
  Mr. Clark is survived by his brother Vernon H. Clark; children 
Veronica Wesley, Harcourt I. Clark, Jr., Jennifer Clark-Parker, and 
Theron Clark; grandchildren Shamoria, Kiana, Bria, Chazare, Cordy, 
Kiah, Kaylah, Kianah, Kinesh, and Theron II; great-grandchildren Denzel 
and Dantavia; in-law Roland Carrington; numerous nieces and nephews; 
and companion Lorraine Bethel. He was preceded in death by his loving 
and devoted wife of 44 years, Alice Martha Clark, mother Zina Marie 
Sawyer, father Irwin Harcourt ``Christmas'' Clark; siblings Herbert 
Pratt, Ernest Clark, Mervin Clark, and Rose Marie Johnson.
  Mr. Clark lived a life of purpose, commitment, and service. He was a 
drum major for justice, equality, and advancement.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
legacy of Mr. Harcourt Irvin Clark, Sr. and in extending our 
condolences to his family and friends.

                          ____________________