[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 152 (Thursday, September 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E985]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    HONORING DOROTHY BALLARD GIBSON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 2026

  Ms. WILSON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dorothy 
Ballard Gibson. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

       Whereas, Dorothy Ballard Gibson graduated from Booker T. 
     Washington High School in 1948 and went on to pursue a career 
     in healthcare, earning her bachelor of science degree in 
     nursing from the Medical College of Virginia; and
       Whereas, Mrs. Gibson dedicated her life to healthcare in 
     south Florida, working as a registered nurse at Jackson 
     Memorial Hospital in 1956, Kendall Hospital in 1962, and as a 
     supervisor at the Veterans Administration Hospital from 1966 
     until her retirement in 1990; and
       Whereas, Mrs. Gibson and her husband, Sampson, established 
     Michael's Kindergarten, Inc., and educated thousands of 
     children from Miami's Liberty City, Opa-Locka, Carol City, 
     and numerous other communities, at four day care centers; and
       Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was an active member of Mt. Zion AME 
     Church, where she served with the Missionary Society, the 
     Trustee Board, Youth Development Department, and the Little 
     Folk Choir, and was the founder of the Dorothy Gibson Lay 
     Organization; and
       Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was an active member in her community 
     and often lobbied the State legislature as a children's 
     advocate; and
       Whereas, Mrs. Gibson was honored by the Miami-Dade County 
     Child Development Services and received numerous awards, 
     including the daycare center she founded, Michael's 
     Kindergarten, Inc., being named Day Care Center of the Year; 
     and
       Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson, 
     a Member of the United States House of Representatives, 
     representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, 
     recognize the tremendous contributions made by Mrs. Dorothy 
     Ballard Gibson. I affirm her positive and far-reaching impact 
     upon our community and our children. I honor her many years 
     of dedication and service to South Florida.

                          ____________________