[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN HONOR OF ABDUL KARIM KABIA, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD NORCROSS

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. NORCROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Abdul Karim Kabia, Sr., who was born in August of 1952 in Bo Sierra 
Leone, West Africa to the late Mohamed Ishmin and Fatmata Yailey Kabia.
  Mr. Kabia graduated from Saint Andrews secondary school in Bo Sierra 
Leone and at 18, his parents sent him to Europe to learn different 
languages and have new, exciting life experiences. Mr. Kabia studied 
under a Master Chef while in Spain and became a wonderful cook. He 
could speak Italian, German, Spanish and several African dialects.
  After moving to the United States of America, he received a degree in 
Human Services through Camden County College and began a thirty-four 
year career as a social worker at the Camden County Board of Social 
Services before he retired in 2014. During his time with the Board of 
Social Services, he was an active member of the Communication Workers 
of America Local 1084 and became a passionate political campaigner.
  Upon moving to the United States of America in 1975, Mr. Kabia met 
Dorleen Chism and they were married on Valentine's Day in 1976. 
Throughout their forty-year marriage, they had two children, Fatinata 
Yailey Kabia and Abdul Karim Kabia, II. He was a proud grandfather to 
Fyar Ishmirr Kabia.
  In addition to his family, he was a mentor, surrogate father and 
uncle to many individuals who he encountered throughout his life's 
journey, providing them advice and support and showing them kindness 
and love.
  Mr. Kabia was a devoted family man who will be remembered fondly and 
deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to have known him. His always 
present smile and his soulful laughter will be impossible to forget.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kabia was an inspiration to his family and truly 
exemplifies the American Dream. I hope that you will all join me in 
honoring his memory here today.

                          ____________________