[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 203 (Tuesday, November 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1267-E1268]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF REVEREND DR. DeFOREST B. SOARIES

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 23, 2021

  Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend 
Dr. DeForest B. Soaries on his retirement as the spiritual leader and 
senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, 
New Jersey. As a pioneer in the faith-based community, Dr. Soaries 
shared his teachings of spiritual growth, educational excellence, and 
economic development for the last three decades.
  Reverend Soaries served not just his flock, but as the first African 
American man to hold the prestigious position of New Jersey's Secretary 
of State, he led the entire great State of New Jersey. Dr. Soaries 
devoted his time to implementing grassroots initiatives to enhance the 
quality of life for thousands of New Jersey residents. Bridging the gap 
between underserved communities and voting accessibility as former 
chairman of the United States Election

[[Page E1268]]

Assistance Commission, he assisted Congress in establishing the Help 
America Vote Act of 2002. Dr. Soaries has worked tirelessly to pave the 
way for the next generation of civic leaders through his numerous 
community initiatives to free individuals from the burden of debt by 
launching the dfree Financial Freedom Movement and currently serves as 
an independent director at three companies: Independence Realty Trust, 
Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, and Ocwen Financial Corporation.
  I applaud Dr. Soaries for his outstanding accomplishments and 
commitment to creating opportunities for economic empowerment in our 
state. On behalf of the state of New Jersey, I would like to formally 
congratulate Reverend Dr. DeForest B. Soaries on his retirement and 
wish him the very best as he embarks on his next chapter of life.

                          ____________________