History of Frederica Wilson in Timeline

Frederica Wilson is a U.S. Representative for Florida's 24th congressional district, serving since 2011. Her district encompasses a significant portion of eastern Miami-Dade County, including Miami's majority-black precincts. She is known for her political career and advocacy. Wilson also drew national attention for her public remarks concerning the death of Trayvon Martin in 2012.

Sections (4)

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

November 5, 1942: Frederica Smith Wilson Born

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

Others born on this day/year

November 5, 1942: Birth of Frederica Smith

On November 5, 1942, Frederica Smith was born in Miami, Florida, to Beulah (née Finley) and Thirlee Smith.

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: Marriage to 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 in elementary education.

1988: Death of Paul Wilson

In 1988, Frederica Wilson was widowed when her husband, Paul Wilson, died.

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 and started the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence mentoring program.

1998: Elected to Florida House of Representatives

In 1998, Frederica Wilson was elected to represent the 104th district in the Florida House of Representatives.

2002: Elected to Florida Senate

In 2002, Frederica Wilson was elected to represent the 33rd district in the Florida Senate.

2006: Became Minority Leader Pro Tempore

In 2006, Frederica Wilson served as Minority Leader Pro Tempore in the Florida Senate, then became Minority Whip.

2008: Supported Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign

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

2009: FBI Building Funding Secured

In 2009, the funding for the FBI building was secured, before Frederica Wilson became a congresswoman in 2011.

2010: Elected to Congress

In 2010, Frederica Wilson was elected to Congress after term limits prevented her from running again in the Florida Senate.

2010: Senate Run

In 2010, Kendrick Meek ran for a seat in the Senate, creating the vacancy that Frederica Wilson later filled upon her election.

2011: Became a U.S. Representative

In 2011, Frederica Wilson became a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Florida's 24th congressional district.

2011: Anti-Hazing Campaign

In 2011, Frederica Wilson participated in an anti-hazing campaign after the death of Robert Champion Jr., a drum major at Florida A&M.

2011: Opposed the Tea Party

In 2011, Frederica Wilson vocally opposed the Tea Party at a Miami town hall meeting, stating that the Tea Party was the real enemy and held Congress hostage with the goal of making President Obama a one-term president.

2011: Wilson became Congresswoman

In 2011, Wilson became a Congresswoman, after the FBI building funding was secured in 2009.

March 2012: Call for Justice in Trayvon Martin Case

In March 2012, Frederica Wilson called for justice and an end to racial profiling in the Trayvon Martin case, describing the incident as a classic example of racial profiling followed by murder.

March 2012: Comments on Trayvon Martin's Death

In March 2012, Frederica Wilson took a vocal stance on the death of Trayvon Martin, suggesting that George Zimmerman had "hunted" Martin based on his race and should be arrested for his own safety.

April 1, 2012: Organized Rally for Zimmerman's Imprisonment

On April 1, 2012, Frederica Wilson organized a rally in Miami calling for George Zimmerman's imprisonment following the death of Trayvon Martin.

April 2012: Called Martin's death a murder

In April 2012, Frederica Wilson stated that Trayvon Martin's death was "definitely" murder.

2012: Proposed ban of tutoring companies

In 2012, Frederica Wilson proposed banning tutoring companies from exploiting vulnerable children, suggesting that funds would be better spent on hiring teachers.

2012: Named to 'The Grio 100'

In 2012, Frederica Wilson was named to "The Grio 100" by MSNBC's "The Grio", an African-American news and opinion platform.

2012: Gained national attention

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

July 13, 2013: Zimmerman Acquittal

On July 13, 2013, George Zimmerman was acquitted of the charges of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the death of Trayvon Martin.

2015: FBI Field Office Dedication

In 2015, Frederica Wilson attended the dedication of an FBI field office in Miami, where John Kelly claimed she politicized the event.

July 2016: Reaction to Charles Kinsey Shooting

In July 2016, Frederica Wilson tweeted that she was shocked and angered by the police shooting of Charles Kinsey in her district, questioning the reason for the shooting.

October 4, 2017: Death of La David Johnson

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

October 16, 2017: Trump's Call to 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, with Frederica Wilson present, for the arrival of Johnson's remains. Wilson later reported Trump's comments as insensitive.

October 19, 2017: Kelly Defends Trump's Comments

On October 19, 2017, White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly defended President Trump's comments regarding Sergeant La David Johnson and attacked Frederica Wilson for listening to the phone call and for a speech at the 2015 dedication of an FBI field office in Miami.