[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H1277-H1278]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   CONGRATULATING OTIS T. BARKER, SR.

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
incredible career of a consummate public servant and my friend, Otis T. 
Barker, Sr., or as his friends call him, OTB.
  For nearly three decades, Otis has been at the heart and soul of 
Buffalo's community services, dedicating his life to uplifting our 
city's children and families. From his trailblazing career in business 
to his tireless work in public service, Otis has always led with 
integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of 
Buffalo.
  Otis' public service journey began in 1996 when deputy speaker of the 
New York State Assembly Arthur O. Eve hired him as his chief of staff. 
From 1996 to 2002, Otis was at the center of State and community 
affairs, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges and 
opportunities that shape our neighborhoods.
  In 2006, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown tapped him to serve as director of 
the Division of Youth. His leadership continued to grow, serving as 
deputy commissioner in 2011 and, ultimately, commissioner of community 
services and recreational programming in 2017, where he oversaw 
critical programs for our youth, our seniors, our workforce, and our 
recreational spaces.
  As commissioner, Otis Barker helped over 30,000 young people find 
opportunities through the mayor's summer youth internship program, 
giving Buffalo's next generation a path forward.
  Otis' service didn't stop with government. He spent his time coaching 
Little League baseball, leading the North Buffalo Little League 
Football Organization, and coaching high school basketball, instilling 
values of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in young athletes 
across our city.

[[Page H1278]]

  At his retirement earlier this month, Buffalo's mayor surprised Otis 
with the renaming of the basketball courts in Martin Luther King, Jr. 
Park as the Otis T. Barker Sr. Basketball Courts, a fitting tribute to 
someone who has helped make athletics more accessible for our young 
people.
  Otis' impact extends into Buffalo's faith and music communities, 
where he directs and assists choirs at St. John's Baptist Church and 
the Var-Son Community Choir. His voice, both in leadership and in song, 
has lifted up so many in our community.
  Buffalo will miss him in city hall, but I am confident that his 
mentorship, leadership, and boundless generosity will continue 
throughout his retirement, and I have no doubt he will continue his 
commitment to our city as he also enjoys more time with his wonderful 
family and friends.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank OTB for making our community a better place to 
live, work, and raise a family. I wish my friend a well-earned and 
rewarding retirement. We love him. Congratulations and Godspeed.

                          ____________________