[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 121 (Thursday, July 23, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MR. HARCOURT IRVIN CLARK, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2026

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the 
great state of Florida, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Mr. 
Harcourt Irvin Clark, Sr., a trailblazer, patriot, loving husband, 
father, grandfather and friend.
  Mr. Clark worked tirelessly to make a difference in his community and 
break down barriers. He became the first African-American police 
officer in the city of Coral Gables, Florida. Determined to break more 
barriers, he went on to serve as Chief of Police for the University of 
Miami Police Department, Director of Campus Safety for Florida 
International University, and as the first Administrative Director for 
the Miami-Dade County Equal Opportunity Program Social Service Agency, 
which is now the Community Action Agency of Miami-Dade County.
  He later shared his expertise and experiences as a professor of 
criminal justice at Florida International University. Mr. Clark capped 
his public service journey as a librarian in the city of North Miami. 
He went on to pursue his entrepreneurial spirit by opening ``The 
Hickory Pit Barbeque Restaurant.''
  Before his stellar career in law enforcement, Mr. Clark dutifully 
served his country as a solider in the United States Army. After his 
tour of duty, he completed his college studies, earning a bachelor's 
degree, two master's degrees, and various certifications.
  Mr. Clark was born on December 23, 1934, to the late Zena Marie 
Sawyer-Clark and Irwin Harcourt ``Christmas'' Clark in Coconut Grove, 
Florida.
  He fulfilled his dream of becoming a member of the famed Marching 
100, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University's (FAMU) marching 
band. While at FAMU, he also met Alice Martha Cabrera, who would become 
the love of his life and his wife of 44 years, before her death.
  Mr. Clark was a devout Christian and lifelong member of the Christ 
Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove. He was also a Life Member of the 
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, and a member of The Free and 
Accepted Masonic Lodge, Prince Hall Affiliated.
  Please join me in paying tribute to the late Mr. Harcourt Irvin 
Clark, Sr., who lived a life of purpose, commitment, and service to his 
family, his friends and to his community.

                          ____________________