[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 43 (Thursday, March 6, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEMORATING THE 20TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY OF REVEREND DR. DEMETRIUS 
                            S. CAROLINA, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NICOLE MALLIOTAKIS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 6, 2025

  Ms. MALLIOTAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
20th Pastoral Anniversary of Reverend Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr., a 
distinguished leader whose contributions have profoundly impacted our 
community and beyond.
  Reverend Dr. Carolina has been serving as the Senior Pastor at First 
Central Baptist Church, where he has provided spiritual guidance and 
support to countless individuals. In addition to his pastoral duties, 
he is the CEO of Dior Consultants LLC, a full-service business that 
specializes in staff and board training development, His commitment to 
education and leadership is further exemplified by his role as an 
Adjunct Professor at St. John's University in the School of Education 
and at HJ International Graduate School for Peace and Public 
Leadership.
  Prior to his current roles, Reverend Dr. Carolina served as the 
Executive Director of the Central Family Life Center, which stands as 
the most prominent black and brown nonprofit in the Borough of Staten 
Island. In this capacity, he was instrumental in developing corporate, 
public, and private relationships, overseeing and administering crucial 
strategies to ensure the operation and sustainability of the Center.
  In 2015, Reverend Dr. Carolina was appointed as a Commissioner of 
Human Rights by Mayor Bill de Blasio, demonstrating his commitment to 
social justice and equality. He has been recognized for his efforts 
with numerous awards, including the 2017 New York City Council MLK 
Community Award. He also served on the Civil Complaint Review Board for 
New York City until February 2023.
  Reverend Dr. Carolina's advocacy efforts are noteworthy, having 
founded The Staten Island Black History Town Hall Meeting and serving 
as the lead advocate for the establishment of the nationally recognized 
Eagle Academy in Staten Island. Furthermore, he has been a driving 
force in growing nonprofit community partnerships that connect Staten 
Island with other boroughs.
  In terms of academic qualifications, Reverend Dr. Carolina holds a 
master's degree in educational administration leadership from Temple 
University and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership/Management from 
the University of Phoenix.
  On a personal note, Reverend Dr. Carolina is married to Josenia Ruiz-
Carolina, and together they are the proud parents of four wonderful 
children: Dior Isaiah, DeLisa Mona, Demetrius Solomon II, and Demetri 
Rafael Carolina.
  Today, as we commemorate this significant milestone in Reverend Dr. 
Demetrius S. Carolina Sr.'s ministry, I invite my colleagues to join me 
in recognizing his unwavering dedication, impactful leadership, and the 
positive change he continues to bring to our community.

                          ____________________