Frederica Wilson: “Almost a half century ago, while serving as an elementary school principal in Miami, I sensed a void in the lives of the…”

“Almost a half century ago, while serving as an elementary school principal in Miami, I sensed a void in the lives of the boys who were always being sent to my office because of disruptive behavior. The one thing they all had in common was the lack of an adult male to love them and guide them along life's often tricky paths. I founded the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project to rescue these boys of color from futures fueled by drugs, poverty, or prison. The 5,000 Role Models of Excellence is recognized by President Obama's My Brother's Keeper initiative. It is an in-school program in Florida's public schools. These boys have earned more than $10 million in college scholarships, and so many have returned and now serve as role models to the 10,000 boys now in the program. There are 109 chapters in Miami-Dade County schools, the fourth largest school district in the Nation, 30 chapters in Pinellas County/ St. Petersburg schools, and 10 chapters in Duvall County, Jacksonville, Florida. Please welcome the Miami Northwestern Senior High School chapter who are up in the gallery today. I love you, and I am so proud of each and every one of you. Welcome to Washington. ____________________”