[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E715-E716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING COUNCILMAN PHILIPPE DEROSE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 2026

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and 
honor retiring City of North Miami Beach Councilman Philippe Derose, a 
pioneer, a well-respected community leader, activist and public 
servant.
  Mr. Derose was the first Haitian-American to be elected to political 
office in Miami-Dade County. In 1993, he was elected to serve as a 
councilman for the Village of El Portal, giving voice to the burgeoning 
Haitian-American community in South Florida. Seven years later, 
Councilman Derose was elected Mayor of the Village of El Portal. In 
2003, he was appointed Councilman in the City of North Miami Beach, 
paving the way for other Haitian-Americans to enter the political arena 
in South Florida and across the country.
  Councilman Derose believed not only in building up communities 
through economic development but also through beautification as a

[[Page E716]]

way of encouraging residents to take pride and ownership in their 
neighborhoods. His passion for green space and trees resulted in 
numerous awards from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the City of 
North Miami Beach.
  Councilman Derose has also worked tirelessly to improve the lives of 
the youth in our community, through the Haitian-American Alliance Youth 
Foundation, the non-profit organization he serves as President of and 
founded. Councilman Derose has also sponsored and spearheaded numerous 
hurricane relief efforts over the years to help the people of Haiti.
  Born in Haiti, and one of nine children, Councilman Derose dreamed of 
coming to America in search of a better life. In 1974, he moved with 
his wife Marie to New York where he enrolled in the high school 
equivalency program, attended York College and obtained his bachelor's 
degree in psychology from California Coast University.
  Councilman Derose's life story should serve as an example for all. 
His determination and triumphs in a foreign country epitomize what the 
American dream is all about--you can accomplish anything through 
commitment and hard work.
  Please join me in honoring Councilman Philippe Derose, for his 
dedication, contributions and tireless service to our community.

                          ____________________