Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor Marvin R. Knight, whose lifelong commitment to uniting people reflects the values he learned from both his family and the community that shaped him.

Marvin Knight was born in Dade City, Florida, grew up in Zephyrhills and graduated from Leto High School in Tampa in 1979. Son of Early D. and Joyce M. Knight, and the youngest of nine, Marvin was shaped by the values of a close-knit family devoted to hard work. In Zephyrhills, he got an early start picking oranges, stacking sod and collecting chicken eggs. When he moved to West Tampa in the mid-1970s, he picked up a job at Boromei-Mirabella Seafood Co., which had its origins selling fish to hungry dock workers in the 1920s that grew into a family business that thrived in community engagement. Marvin had a front-row seat to this – a family that worked together to contribute to the local economy, build community trust and make a positive impact. Marvin started at the company cleaning floors and learned from the Mirabella family about savings, responsibility and met many of influential community members. Before long, Marvin was making candidate signs, getting involved in local campaigns, and learning the in’s and out’s of public policy.

Marvin went on to earn a degree in electronic technology and computer electronics, and started working for TECO Energy in 1985. During his 36-year tenure at the company, he was a journeyman mechanic and then a senior transformer repairman. While he had the opportunity to join TECO management, he chose to stay in the union and remain active in union causes. Also, during his tenure at TECO, he continued helping out Mirabella Seafood Co., eventually going into partnership with the family and then buying them out in the 1990s. Marvin’s Oriental Fish Co. still stands today as a family-owned business that brings people together where visitors can order up fresh seafood always with a side of friendliness. The Oriental Fish Co. is also a welcome sight when seen serving up hot plates for our community – such as in the aftermath of hurricanes or on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

While Marvin’s parents were his primary influences in learning the important work of bringing people together, he also took note of this convening power on the national stage during the Civil Rights era under the leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. He said:  “When you look at the marches, it wasn’t just African Americans, there were whites, females, Italians, Cubans .. all walks of life. He brought us together for a common cause.” In his latest effort to continue bringing our community together, Marvin launched Positive Image Tampa Bay aimed at unity through uplifting community events.

There are few causes where Marvin hasn’t lent his time, talent and treasure. He has served on the HART Board of Directors, Hillsborough County Tax Collector Advisory Board, Tampa Police Development Citizens Advisory Committee, West Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, East Tampa Civic Association, Belmont Heights Little League Advisory Board, Robles Park Boys & Girls Club, Freddie Solomon Boys & Girls Club. He is a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Honorary Deputy, a life member of the local NAACP and a member of St. John’s Progressive Missionary Baptist Church.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my Tampa Bay area neighbors, I extend my profound appreciation to Marvin Knight whose steadfast dedication to our community, and deliberate and consistent service reflect the values instilled in him and stand as an example for all.