From Staten Island to Liberia: A Life of Peace and Service

Rev. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina Sr. is a spiritual leader, educator, and advocate whose life exemplifies the call to peace. As Senior Pastor of First Central Baptist Church in Staten Island, NY, he has served in pastoral ministry for nearly thirty years, including the last two decades at First Central. Licensed into ministry at the age of sixteen, his journey has been marked by a consistent commitment to faith, justice, and the upliftment of communities.

His influence extends well beyond the pulpit. A former Commissioner of Human Rights for the City of New York, Dr. Carolina also served on the Civilian Complaint Review Board, ensuring accountability and fairness in policing. As Executive Director of the Central Family Life Center, he oversaw more than twenty programs with eighty staff members, addressing youth services, senior care, mental health, and anti-violence initiatives. Under his leadership, Staten Island’s “True2Life” Cure Violence initiative was launched, treating violence as a public health issue and transforming some of the borough’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.

Education has always been central to his mission. He holds advanced degrees in educational leadership and administration and founded Dior Consultants LLC, a certified MWBE firm providing training and consultation for nonprofits, churches, and schools. His vision is global as well, having founded five churches and a school in Paynesville, Liberia, and serving as a visiting lecturer at the University of Liberia.

In recognition of his outstanding service, Rev. Dr. Carolina was appointed an Ambassador for Peace by the Universal Peace Federation in 2024, upon the recommendation of Mr. Barry Gellar. His life’s work—uniting faith, civic service, and education—reflects the very essence of peacebuilding.