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

On 2026-07-23, Representative Frederica S. Wilson (D-FL-24) delivered a floor speech titled "PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LATE MR. HARCOURT IRVIN CLARK, SR." in the House.

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

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 121 (Thursday, July 23, 2026) [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. ____________________