[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1084] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] A TRIBUTE TO MATTHEW OKEBIYI ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 19, 2012 Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Mr. Matthew Okebiyi. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Matthew Okebiyi spent most of his youth and formal schooling being shuttled between various parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It was during those formative years that he witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty, hunger, homelessness, and human rights violations. Those incidents would later have a profound impact upon his life. Mr. Okebiyi immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended college on a full-time basis while working two jobs. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication Arts, pursued advanced studies and earned two Master's degrees: one in Urban Planning and the other in Political Science. He completed his Mental Health training at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. Mr. Okebiyi is the founder of the African American Planning Commission, a New York City-based not-for-profit organization and currently serves as the Executive Director. He also worked to build the Serenity House Family Residence, a 40 unit, $5.5 million transitional homeless shelter for survivors of domestic violence. The mission of Serenity House is to offer survivors and their minor children, who have exceeded their maximum length of stay in an emergency shelter, a safe but temporary refuge from domestic violence. Mr. Okebiyi, in addition to his accomplishments, has volunteered with Food Bank and Children's Literacy programs. He maintains a volunteer teaching schedule; tutoring several undergraduate and post-graduate students in his free time, one hundred percent of whom have gone on to receive their Bachelor's and/or Master's degrees. Mr. Okebiyi has been the recipient of many awards for public service. Most recently was in 2011, when he was the recipient of the prestigious ``Man of the Year'' award presented by the Brooklyn Branch of Key Women of America, Inc. at its annual gala. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Matthew Okebiyi for his drive to succeed and dedication to social justice. His unceasing commitment to the welfare of others is an inspiration to us all. ____________________