Press Releases

Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL) presented North Miami resident Desiline Victor with a Congressional Proclamation, Tuesday night, following President Obama’s State of the Union Address. The Congresswoman honored the 102-year-old for her courage and determination to vote, despite obstacles caused by voting restrictions, in Florida. Mrs. Victor, a naturalized U.S. citizen, who immigrated to the United States from Haiti, waited three hours to cast her ballot on Election Day in 2012. She was an official guest of First Lady Michelle Obama at last night’s State of the Union Address.

Congresswoman Wilson released the following statement about Mrs. Victor who she calls an inspiration and a national treasure:

“As an immigrant, former farm worker, and respected elder, Ms. Victor embodies what makes our country great. I am so proud to represent her in the United States Congress. I am also proud that the White House selected her as a special guest for the State of the Union Address, where the President spoke of crucial proposals to create jobs, protect the rights of seniors, and make our immigration system fair.

I stand in awe of Mrs. Desiline Victor whose determination to vote was steadfast and unwavering , despite voting restrictions imposed by Florida officials in recent years that have led to long lines and wait times at the polls. The 102-year-old represents the will of the people of the country to exercise their constitutional right to vote. These restrictions are an affront to our democracy and evidence of the need for voting rights legislation that thwarts efforts to discourage and disenfranchise voters.”

Congresswoman Wilson is available for comment.

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U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a second-term Congresswoman from Florida representing parts of 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.