Michael Joseph has been selected as a 2020 Miami Times New Generation of Dreamers
The Miami Times, the oldest and largest Black newspaper in the South, has selected Michael Joseph to join the Class of 2020’s “Next Generation of Dreamers.” An interview with Michael Joseph is featured in a Special Supplement inserted inside the February 26 issue of The Miami Times. The Miami Times especially recognized Michael Joseph's work in leading the fight to restore sensible billing policies for NMB Water, the water utility operated by the city of North Miami Beach where Michael serves as an elected commissioner. Read more about the NMB water billing controversy here.
Excerpt:
“One of my first priorities in office was to meet the 80 or so North Miami Beach public works employees,” said Joseph.
“When we met, I got emotional and cried because they wore the same uniform as my dad and do the hard work of keeping the city clean. I understood where these men and women come from, and I’ll never forget where I come from.”
Joseph serves as the commission liaison for the code enforcement board, public utilities commission, and the education committee. He heard the pleas of seniors who couldn’t afford their water bills and acted.
“On Sept. 17, my proposal to restore quarterly billing by NMB Water was approved and adopted,” said Joseph.
“This was exciting news and means water bills will effectively decrease throughout the year. The vote lifted a burden for nearly 200,000 customers in Miami Gardens, Aventura, Sunny Isles, and throughout North-Dade whose bills were three or four times that amount.”
The Miami Times annually selects and highlights those in our community who display in their daily efforts, qualities that emulate the works of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Black History makers. King used his early adulthood to organize ways to improve his community and has inspired millions to imitate or advance his mission.
The “New Generation of Dreamers” are people who use positions and platforms available to them to advance and improve the Black community. Their efforts sometimes fly under the radar of others, which illuminates the selflessness of the tasks they undertake.
