HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-03-1209City of Miami
Legislation
Resolution: R-03-1209
City Hall
3500 Pan American
Drive
Miami, FL 33133
www.miamigov.com
File Number: 03-0290 Final Action Date: 11/25/2003
A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION STRONGLY URGING
THE ADOPTION OF HOUSE BILL 2538 AND ITS TO BE DESIGNATED
COMPANION SENATE LEGISLATION , WHICH SUPPORT THE NAMING OF
THE NEW FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, TO BE LOCATED AT 400 NORTH
MIAMI AVENUE, MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS THE "WILKIE D.
FERGUSON, JR. UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE," IN HONOR OF JUDGE
FERGUSON'S LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENTS OF PUBLIC SERVICE;
DIRECTING THE CITY CLERKS OFFICE TO TRANSMITA COPY OF THIS
RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS DESIGNATED HEREIN.
WHEREAS, the Honorable Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. ("Judge Ferguson") in 1976 was (1)
appointed as the first Black judge to serve on the Circuit Court for the Eleventh Judicial
Circuit in and for Miami -Dade County, Florida, from 1980 to 1993, (2) the first Black judge on
the State of Florida's Third District Court of Appeal, and (3) appointed to the United States
District Court the Southern District of Florida in 1993; and
WHEREAS, the late Judge Ferguson (1938-2003) was a pillar of the Southern Florida
legal community and a soft-spoken champion of society's underpriviledged; and
WHEREAS, Judge Ferguson's principle insistence on fairness elevated the definition of
justice, and infused it with compassion for humanity; and
WHEREAS, Judge Ferguson's legacy as a distinguished lawyer and pioneering jurist
epitomizes the ideals of equal justice for all; and
WHEREAS, as a champion of fairness and in honor of his unselfish actions and decisions
related to equal access, equal rights and equal opportunity, it is appropriate to honor Judge
Ferguson by naming the new federal courthouse in Miami for him;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI,
FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. The adoption of House Bill 2538 of the United States Congress and its to be
designated companion Senate Legislation , which support the naming of the new federal
courthouse to be located at 400 South Miami Avenue, Miami -Dade County, Florida, as the
"Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse," in honor of Judge Ferguson's lifetime
City of Miami
Page 1 of 2 File Id: 03-0290 (Version: 2) Printed On: 8/22/2016
File Number: 03-0290 Enactment Number: R-03-1209
achievements of public service is proudly and strongly urged by the City Commission.
Section 3. The City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to Speaker of
the House J. Dennis Hastert, Senators Bill Nelson and Bob Graham and all members of the
United States House of Representatives for Miami -Dade County.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and
signature of the Mayor. {1}
Footnotes:
{1}If the Mayor does not sign this Resolution, it shall become effective at the end of ten calendar days
from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Resolution, it shall become
effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission.
City of Miami Page 2 of 2 File Id: 03-0290 (Version: 2) Printed On: 8/22/2016