[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 196 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1107]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LATE JUDGE BABATUNDE AKOWE

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2025

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life, leadership, and public service of Judge Babatunde Akowe, a 
distinguished jurist, community advocate, husband, father and public 
servant whose recent passing leaves a profound void in the many 
communities he faithfully served.
  Judge Akowe's life was defined by family, community and an unwavering 
belief in the power of civic engagement to transform lives Judge Akowe 
was born and raised in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and his life's work 
remained deeply looted in his community.
  His public service career was broad and impactful. Before ascending 
to the bench, he held roles across numerous institutions: he worked in 
the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, served in the New York State 
Unified Court System, and served in the NYC Department of Consumer and 
Worker Protection.
  In 2015, Judge Akowe completed the Congressional Black Caucus 
Institute (CBCI) Political Leadership Boot Camp, a significant 
milestone in his development as a civic leader. When the CBCI began its 
annual bootcamp, it was conceived to help to train young, ambitious 
public servants just like Judge Akowe. Notably, he went on to become 
one of the first members of that cohort to run for and win public 
office, underscoring both his ambition and his readiness to serve. His 
success signaled to aspiring leaders across the country that 
dedication, preparation, and audacity could indeed shape a pathway to 
elected office.
  His distinguished judicial career reflected the same qualities that 
guided him throughout life: an unshakeable sense of fairness, a 
commitment to equity, and a belief that justice must be both principled 
and compassionate. On the bench, Judge Akowe quickly earned a 
reputation for wisdom, humility, and an extraordinary ability to listen 
deeply--the facts, to the law, and to the humanity of those before him.
  Judge Akowe was not only a public servant--he was a beloved family 
man. He is survived by his wife, Lauren, and their two daughters, Adia 
and Amara. His loss has deeply saddened his community, family and 
friends--with many noting that his life and judicial service were cut 
far too short. He was a friend to all, and for many, the first call 
made when visiting New York.
  Mr. Speaker, the passing of Judge Babatunde Akowe is a tremendous 
loss to his family, his community, and the many institutions enriched 
by his service. Yet his legacy endures--as a trailblazer in political 
leadership training, as a respected judge, and as a public servant who 
believed deeply in democracy's promise.
  I ask my colleagues to join me and the board and many alumni of the 
Congressional Black Caucus Institute's leadership training programs in 
honoring his memory, celebrating his service, and extending our 
heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and 
admired him.

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