Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association

Dr. Irene G. Pratt, born to Reverend Samuel Albert Sampson and Margaret Rottery Sampson, prominent pioneers in Miami's history, holds a significant legacy. Her father founded the first black Baptist church in Miami, Macedonia Baptist, and organized another, Mt. Olivette Baptist Church. Born in 1896, Dr. Pratt is the sole surviving member of Mt. Olivette and the first Negro baby born in Dade County. Educated in Coconut Grove, she pursued further studies in Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., eventually teaching in the Bahamas. Married to Samuel Albert Pratt, she received an honorary Doctorate of Humanities Degree from Arkansas Bible College in 1966 for her church work and community service. Dr. Pratt's life has been devoted to serving the church and fostering youth development, reflected in her extensive travels around the world to inspire young people and promote goodwill.