Frederica Wilson: “Twenty years ago, while serving as a school principal, I founded the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence project in Miami…”

“Twenty years ago, while serving as a school principal, I founded the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence project in Miami, Florida--a million dollar, nationally recognized and honored foundation that specifically addresses the trials and tribulations of young black boys and sends them to college. It serves almost 20,000 boys throughout Florida. In spite of that, this sign stands outside the door of my congressional office, and I change the number every day. It speaks loudly. Trayvon Martin's murderer is still at large. Thirty-one days with no arrest. Trayvon died because of racial profiling 31 days ago. If you walk into any inner city high school in the African American community, Mr. Speaker, and ask the students, ``Have you ever been racially profiled,'' trust me, every one of them will raise their hands, boys and girls. You might say to me, ``Congresswoman, what does that mean? Who is profiled? And who is doing the profiling?'' I will tell you: Boys by police officers. Boys by vigilante wannabe-police officers. Boys who get into an elevator and then everyone else gets off. Boys who walk down the sidewalk and everyone crosses the street. Boys who watch people lock their car doors when they approach a car. Boys who see women clutch their purse as they walk towards them. Boys who will try to catch a cab but not one who will stop. Boys who are followed around in stores while they shop. Boys who wear hoodies. Boys who wear dreads. Boys who wear gold teeth.…”