[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 63 (Friday, April 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E343]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING NANCY S. DAWKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2024

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nancy S. 
Dawkins, an outstanding educator and community leader, on the momentous 
occasion of her 100th birthday.
  Nancy S. Dawkins was born on October 11, 1923, in Dania, Florida. She 
received degrees from Bethune Cookman College, Florida A & M 
University, and the University of Northern Colorado. She worked in the 
Dade County Public School System for over 30 years. She was married for 
over 52 years to the late former Miami City Commissioner, Miller 
Dawkins.
  As a dean in South Florida's political arena, her activism and 
influence ranges from Federal, Local and State Judges; Members of the 
United States Congress on both sides of the aisle; Members of both 
Houses of the Florida Legislature; Dade County and the City of Miami 
Commissioners and Managers along with numerous employees in all these 
institutions. Mrs. Dawkins worked tirelessly and supported many elected 
officials during their successful campaigns, such as Governor Bob 
Graham, U.S. Congressman Claude Pepper, U.S. Congresswoman Carrie Meek, 
U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Florida Representative Joe Lang 
Kershaw, County Commissioner Barbara Carey, Florida Representative and 
School Board Member Dorothy Mindingall, Florida and Miami City 
Commission Miller Dawkins, Miami Mayor and Commissioner Xavier Suarez, 
and Florida Representative Gwen Cherry.
  This Miami activist was a founder of the Theodore Gibson Oratorical 
Contest. This contest is named after the late Reverend Theodore Gibson, 
a former City of Miami Commissioner and community activist. The 
competition is designed to refine school children's public speaking 
skills. Mrs. Dawkins is a former Girl Scout Troop leader. She is a 
member of the American Association of University Women. She is a member 
of Mt. Zion AME Church in Dania Beach, Florida where she serves as a 
Stewardess. She has received numerous awards for her service to the 
community, including a ``Women of Impact'', Sojourner Truth Award, Dr. 
Martin Luther King Service Award, U.S. Congressional Award, and 
numerous other awards and appreciations. Mrs. Nancy Dawkins served as 
Founder and Charter member of the National Association of Negro 
Business and Professional Women--South Florida in every official and 
organizational position. At the 2015 District Conference, she was 
presented a ``Strands of Wisdom'' golden medallion for her 50 years of 
service to the Business and Professional Women's Club. In 2018, she was 
recognized by Bethune Cookman University as the institution's oldest 
living graduate and Ms. Mary McLeod Bethune's last living student.
  The City of Miami has recognized Mrs. Dawkins countlessly throughout 
the years. Northwest 50th Street between 12th and 17th Avenues was 
designated ``Mrs. Nancy S. Dawkins Way'' in her honor in 2018. Also, 
the Miller and Nancy Dawkins Swimming Complex was named after her and 
her husband at Charles Hadley Park.
  She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is still 
active in the Delta Dears. She is a charter member of National Council 
of Negro Women, charter member and founder of Northwest Miami Chapter 
No. 4686 of AARP. She is still active in her National Association of 
Negro Business and Professional Women, the Allapattah Homeowners 
Association.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Mrs. Dawkins for becoming a 
centenarian, and her ten decades of dedication and service to the 
community.

                          ____________________