Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-10-06

HONORING NANCY DAWKINS

Education

Context

On 2026-10-06, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING NANCY DAWKINS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING NANCY DAWKINS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1037] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NANCY DAWKINS ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 6, 2026 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, US Congressman Claude Pepper, US Congresswoman Carrie Meek, US 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, US 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. ____________________

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HONORING NANCY DAWKINS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 158 (Tuesday, October 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1037] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING NANCY DAWKINS ______ HON. FREDERICA S. WILSON of florida in the house of representatives Tuesday, October 6, 2026 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, US Congressman Claude Pepper, US Congresswoman Carrie Meek, US 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, US 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. ____________________