Early Life and Education of Frederica Wilson: A Complete Timeline

Updated: May 29, 2026

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Frederica Wilson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Frederica Wilson is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Florida's 24th congressional district since 2011. Her district encompasses a significant portion of eastern Miami-Dade County, including many of Miami's majority-black communities. Wilson is noted for her political career in Congress and for gaining national recognition in 2012 following her public remarks regarding the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager shot in Sanford, Florida.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

November 5, 1942: Frederica Smith Wilson's Birth

On November 5, 1942, Frederica Patricia Smith, later known as Frederica Smith Wilson, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1963: Earned bachelor's degree

In 1963, Frederica Wilson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Fisk University.

1963: Married Paul Wilson

In 1963, Frederica Wilson married Paul Wilson.

1972: Earned master's degree

In 1972, Frederica Wilson earned her Master of Arts degree from the University of Miami.

1988: Paul Wilson's death

In 1988, Paul Wilson, Frederica Wilson's husband, passed away.

1992: Joined Miami-Dade County School Board

In 1992, Frederica Wilson left her position as principal to serve on the Miami-Dade County School Board.

2008: Voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden

In 2008, Frederica Wilson voted for Barack Obama and Joe Biden as one of Florida's presidential electors.

April 1, 2012: Organized a rally for Zimmerman's imprisonment

On April 1, 2012, Wilson organized a rally in Miami calling for Zimmerman's imprisonment.

2012: Gained national attention for comments on Trayvon Martin's death

In 2012, Frederica Wilson gained national attention for her comments on the death of Trayvon Martin.

July 13, 2013: Zimmerman acquitted of charges

On July 13, 2013, a jury acquitted Zimmerman of the charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter.

July 2016: Expressed shock and anger over Charles Kinsey's shooting

In July 2016, after the release of the video showing police shooting Charles Kinsey, Wilson tweeted that she was shocked and angered by the shooting.

October 4, 2017: Death of Sergeant La David Johnson

On October 4, 2017, Sergeant La David Johnson died in an attack in Niger.

October 16, 2017: President Trump called Johnson's widow

On October 16, 2017, President Donald Trump called Sergeant La David Johnson's widow while she was on the way to Miami International Airport for the arrival of Johnson's remains. Wilson was present during the phone call. She later reported that Trump had made insensitive remarks.

2018: Election of two Muslim women to Congress

In 2018, two Muslim women were elected to congress.

January 3, 2019: Ilhan Omar's swearing in

On January 3, 2019, Ilhan Omar, wore a hijab to her swearing in. The rule was partially relaxed after the election of two Muslim women to congress in 2018