During Haiti’s “Week of the Diaspora” (“Semaine de la Diaspora”), Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) received the Friend of Haiti Award for her tireless work on behalf of the Haitian community both on the island nation and in South Florida.
“It is a humbling honor to be recognized for my work on behalf of the Haitian people, and I will continue to be there for them as they rebuild,” said Congresswoman Wilson.
Mr. Daniel Supplice, the Minister of Haitians Living Abroad (MHAVE), announced that Congresswoman Wilson was selected from the many deserving candidates for the award that recognizes a foreign individual who has made a significant positive impact on the Haitian people.
Throughout her life, Congresswoman Wilson has been a champion of Haitian causes. In 1982, she stood up for the fair treatment of Haitian women refugees who were incarcerated at the Krome Detention Center. Congresswoman Wilson’s tireless activism led to a change in policy and improved living conditions for women at the Krome Detention Center.
Congresswoman Wilson has traveled to Haiti numerous times, including soon after the devastating 2010 earthquake. She fought to extend and expand temporary protective status (TPS) for Haitians, led the effort to get the State Department to add Haiti to the list of now-58 countries eligible for the H-2A and H-2B nonimmigrant visa program, and introduced H. Res. 521 – a resolution to combat gender-based violence. Earlier this week, Congresswoman Wilson attended the 2012 Sustainable Haiti Investment Conference to encourage investors to consider Haiti because, as President Martelly said, “Haiti is open for business.”
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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term Congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.
