[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E89]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING DR. BARBARA CAREY-SHULER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 2021

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. 
Barbara Carey-Shuler, a courageous community leader, dedicated public 
servant, sagacious mentor, inspiring educator, and loving mother, in 
honor of Women's History Month.
  Dr. Carey-Shuler has been a powerful force for positive change in 
South Florida for decades. She is a trailblazer who has paved the way 
for many successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and businesses. Her 
efforts have improved the quality of life for thousands of South 
Floridians.
  Dr. Carey-Shuler's life is founded on a spirit of generosity. Her 
unselfish character is only overshadowed by her loving spirit and 
acceptance of others. She considers her ability to empower and inspire 
others as her greatest accomplishment. Regarding her passion for 
helping young people she says, ``l want to exude my passion so that 
they will have the same passion to give back and help other young 
people.''
  Dr. Carey-Shuler was first appointed to the Miami Dade County Board 
of Commissioners in 1979. She made a major impact through her 
progressive policies and legislative decisions. She initiated the 
groundbreaking legislation to create Affirmative Action and set-aside 
programs in Miami Dade County which are credited with creating more 
jobs and opportunities for minorities and women than any other 
legislation in the county's history. She also created the 15 miles per 
hour school zone in Dade County and was later adopted by the rest of 
the State of Florida. She made history in 2002 when she was selected as 
the first African American woman to serve as chairperson of the Miami 
Dade County Commission.
  Dr. Carey-Shuler has never shied away from an opportunity to help 
others or promote equality without regard to the popularity of her 
decisions. In 1990, she attended an event where the late South African 
President Nelson Mandela delivered a speech upon his release after 
being unjustly imprisoned for 27 years. The event was locally 
controversial but Dr. Carey-Shuler was among a small group of elected 
officials who attended because she understood President Mandela's 
importance to the international campaign for human rights. Her courage 
and vision earned the respect and admiration of her constituents and 
was a large part of the reason she was re-elected several times.
  Above all, Dr. Carey-Shuler values education as the key to a happy 
and healthy life. She was well-regarded as an administrator with Miami 
Dade County Public Schools. She was also credited with inspiring and 
advancing the careers of dozens of educators as an assistant 
superintendent. She has an impressive educational resume of her own: 
Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Florida A&M University, Master 
of Science in Communications from Ohio State University, Specialist 
Degree in Guidance from the University of Miami, and a Doctorate in 
Education from the University of Florida.
  Since retiring from elected office in 2005, Dr. Carey-Shuler has 
managed very successful family-owned funeral homes in Palm Beach 
County, Florida. However, she has continued her passion to help others 
and mentor young people. Her board memberships include Spady Cultural 
Heritage Museum, West Palm Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta 
Sorority, Inc., Delta Heritage Foundation, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity 
Educational Foundation, Pathway to Prosperity, among several others.
  Madam Speaker, in observance of Women's History Month, I urge my 
colleagues and all Americans to please join me in recognizing a great 
woman, a great public servant, a great businessperson, a great mother, 
and a great American, Dr. Barbara Carey-Shuler for her indelible 
contribution to our community and our nation.

                          ____________________