[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 50 (Thursday, March 19, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E246]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MARVIN R. KNIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 19, 2026

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History 
Month to honor Marvin R. Knight, whose lifelong commitment to uniting 
people reflects the values he learned from both his family and the 
community that shaped him.
  Marvin Knight was born in Dade City, Florida, grew up in Zephyrhills 
and graduated from Leto High School in Tampa in 1979. Son of Early D. 
and Joyce M. Knight, and the youngest of nine, Marvin was shaped by the 
values of a close-knit family devoted to hard work. In Zephyrhills, he 
got an early start picking oranges, stacking sod and collecting chicken 
eggs. When he moved to West Tampa in the mid-1970s, he picked up a job 
at Boromei-Mirabella Seafood Co., which had its origins selling fish to 
hungry dock workers in the 1920s that grew into a family business that 
thrived in community engagement. Marvin had a front-row seat to this--a 
family that worked together to contribute to the local economy, build 
community trust and make a positive impact. Marvin started at the 
company cleaning floors and learned from the Mirabella family about 
savings, responsibility and met many of influential community members. 
Before long, Marvin was making candidate signs, getting involved in 
local campaigns, and learning the in's and out's of public policy.
  Marvin went on to earn a degree in electronic technology and computer 
electronics, and started working for TECO Energy in 1985. During his 
36-year tenure at the company, he was a journeyman mechanic and then a 
senior transformer repairman. While he had the opportunity to join TECO 
management, he chose to stay in the union and remain active in union 
causes. Also, during his tenure at TECO, he continued helping out 
Mirabella Seafood Co., eventually going into partnership with the 
family and then buying them out in the 1990s. Marvin's Oriental Fish 
Co. still stands today as a family-owned business that brings people 
together where visitors can order up fresh seafood always with a side 
of friendliness. The Oriental Fish Co. is also a welcome sight when 
seen serving up hot plates for our community--such as in the aftermath 
of hurricanes or on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
  While Marvin's parents were his primary influences in learning the 
important work of bringing people together, he also took note of this 
convening power on the national stage during the Civil Rights era under 
the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. He said: ``When you look at 
the marches, it wasn't just African Americans, there were whites, 
females, Italians, Cubans . . . all walks of life. He brought us 
together for a common cause.'' In his latest effort to continue 
bringing our community together, Marvin launched Positive Image Tampa 
Bay aimed at unity through uplifting community events.
  There are few causes where Marvin hasn't lent his time, talent and 
treasure. He has served on the HART Board of Directors, Hillsborough 
County Tax Collector Advisory Board, Tampa Police Development Citizens 
Advisory Committee, West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, East 
Tampa Civic Association, Belmont Heights Little League Advisory Board, 
Robles Park Boys & Girls Club, Freddie Solomon Boys & Girls Club. He is 
a Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Honorary Deputy, a life member 
of the local NAACP and a member of St. John's Progressive Missionary 
Baptist Church.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay area neighbors, I extend my 
profound appreciation to Marvin Knight whose steadfast dedication to 
our community, and deliberate and consistent service reflect the values 
instilled in him and stand as an example for all.