[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 120 (Monday, July 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MARTHA RIVERA CHAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. DONALD M. PAYNE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 17, 2017

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues here in the House of 
Representatives to join me as I rise to pay tribute to Martha Rivera 
Chavis, and the many contributions she made as a dedicated resident of 
Montclair, New Jersey, and to countries abroad.
   Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Mrs. Chavis was an 
astounding woman who loved caring and providing service to people. She 
completed her studies at San Pedro Apostol Catholic School in the 
Dominican Republic and received her degree in French Civilization from 
Sorbonne University in Paris, France in 1987. Following her graduation 
she served as a French to Portuguese translator for the Republic of 
Angola's Ambassador to the United Nations. It was during this time she 
met the love of her life, Rev. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Chavis. The couple 
married in September, 1988.
   Mrs. Chavis was a beloved mother and fierce advocate for freedom, 
justice, and equality in the United States, Africa, and the Dominican 
Republic. She was an astounding First Lady of the National Newspaper 
Publishers Association, and First Lady of the National Association for 
the Advancement of Colored People. Her service, however, far expanded 
from her First Lady roles. After her husband, Rev. Dr. Chavis, visited 
Angola, the couple cared for nine Angolans including six children with 
missing limbs as a result of the civil war in Angola, in their home in 
Montclair, New Jersey. Due to the Chavises' unwavering care, when the 
nine Angolans returned to Africa, they were able to go back with 
prosthetics.
   Mr. Speaker, I know my fellow members of the U.S. House of 
Representatives agree that Mrs. Chavis deserves to be recognized for a 
job well done, and for many years of service to her local and 
international communities.

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