[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 9382-9383]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF GEDLU METAFERIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RUSS CARNAHAN

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2012

  Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Gedlu 
Metaferia, for his decades of service to the people of the St. Louis, 
Missouri.
  Mr. Metaferia started the African Mutual Assistance Association of 
Missouri, AMAAM, on April 10, 1983 and for nearly 30 years has helped 
over 30,000 African immigrants and refugees settle into the St. Louis 
metropolitan area. Today St. Louis is home to almost 6,400 African 
immigrants and refugees.
  As Executive Director, Mr. Metaferia skillfully managed the day-to-
day operations of his organization, and he successfully led it toward 
the fulfillment of its mission to provide culturally and linguistically 
appropriate social services to African refugees and immigrants. The 
work of this organization includes: assistance with applications and 
insurance forms, mediation, education about civic participation, 
interpretation during medical visits, transportation, and locating 
housing. Sadly, we are all aware of the plight of refugees and other 
displaced communities; therefore, I am eternally grateful for the 
adjustment assistance provided by Mr. Metaferia and his organization.
  Mr. Metaferia's efforts have fostered a greater appreciation of 
diversity, and have advanced ethnic inclusion in the St. Louis 
community. Moreover, he remains active in the community as a poet, 
freelance writer, human rights activist, advocate for refugee and 
immigrant rights, and a member on several non-profit boards. Mr. 
Metaferia has led by example and demonstrates resilience as a pillar of 
strength, sound judgment, and compassion.

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  Mr. Metaferia has dedicated his life to serving and promoting the 
welfare of others, and he has exemplified extraordinary commitment and 
selfless dedication. I congratulate Mr. Gedlu Metaferia on his many 
accomplishments, and I thank him for his continued service to our 
community.

                          ____________________