[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 161 (Wednesday, December 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF REV. DR. DeFOREST SOARIES, JR.

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                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2010

  Mr. PALLONE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rev. Dr. 
DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., a resident of Monmouth Junction, New Jersey 
and the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in 
Somerset. Today, the church community gathers to celebrate Rev. 
Soaries' 20th Pastoral Anniversary. Rev. Soaries' pastoral ministry 
focuses on spiritual growth, educational excellence, economic 
empowerment and faith-based community development. His advocacy and 
dedication to members of the community are undoubtedly worthy of this 
body's recognition.
  Rev. Soaries' experience and activism in college laid a solid 
foundation for his future success. As a college student, Rev. Soaries 
led a campaign against drug use on campus. He later advocated for civil 
rights issues as a community organizer for the Urban League. He was 
also served as a National Coordinator in Operation PUSH. Rev. Soaries 
earned a Bachelor's of Arts Degree from Fordham University, a Master's 
of Divinity Degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Doctorate 
of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary. He is also the 
recipient of six honorary Doctoral Degrees from various institutions.
  Rev. Soaries is well known for being an active agent for change. He 
has guided members of the church and local community with financial 
education assistance and foreclosure prevention. Specifically, dfree is 
a program developed by Rev. Soaries to encourage participants to attain 
financial self-sufficiency. The dfree strategy teaches individuals to 
live without debt, within their means and pay their bills on time. As a 
result of his outstanding accomplishments, Rev. Soaries was the focus 
of the third installment of CNN's ``Black in America'' documentary 
``Almighty Debt.'' It aired on October 21, 2010. This documentary 
highlighted three families from First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens 
who were facing difficult financial times as a result of issues 
including the recession, home foreclosure, unemployment and college 
tuition payments. In April 2007, Radio Talk Show Host Don Imus used 
racially insensitive language to describe the members of the Rutgers 
University Women's Basketball team. Rev. Soaries served as the mediator 
and facilitator between these two groups.
  From January 12, 1999 to January 15, 2002, Rev. Soaries served as New 
Jersey's thirtieth Secretary of State. He was the first African-
American male to serve in this position. In his capacity, he served as 
senior advisor to the Governor on a wide range of public policies that 
effect various departments and constituencies. In December 15, 2003, 
Rev. Soaries was appointed to serve as Chairman of the United States 
Election Assistance Commission. This commission was established by 
Congress to implement the ``Help America Vote Act'' of 2002. Rev. 
Soaries' leadership in these endeavors is worthy of our praise and 
commendation.
  As a result of his exceptional work, Rev. Soaries was recently 
recognized by both houses of the New Jersey Legislature for his 
religious and community leadership. His work has also been featured in 
the New York Times, Ebony Magazine, Black Enterprise and Government 
Executive Magazine.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in leading this body in congratulating 
Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries, Jr., as the parishioners celebrate his 20th 
Pastoral Anniversary. Rev. Soaries and the First Baptist Church of 
Lincoln Gardens are tremendously valued in my district and the State of 
New Jersey.

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