[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENT OF FIVE BLACK COUNTY 
                             COMMISSIONERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        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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