Dr. Soaries in the Press
Our Time Press
Family Photo Album for Bridge Street Church, A Living Legend in America for 260 Years
Mar 1, 2026
With roots established 10 years before the birth of America, historic Bridge AWME Street Church located at 277 Stuyvesant Avenue in Brooklyn, celebrated 260 years of dedicated service to the Downtown and Central Brooklyn communities, last Sunday, February 22, 2026.
WURD Radio
Dr. Soaries on his Financial Tips - Evening WURDs
Feb 18, 2026
Dr. DeForest Soaries is Former Secretary of State of New Jersey, and founder of the DFREE Financial Freedom Movement and author of “Say Yes to No Debt”. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss some of his financial tips for 2026.
BlackNews.com
Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Unveils Groundbreaking New Show: Say Yes When Life Says No
Dec 9, 2025
Nationally respected leader, author, and visionary Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. announces the launch of his groundbreaking and timely new show, Say Yes When Life Says No — a powerful, truth-telling series amplifying real stories of transformation, adversity, and triumph.
At a moment when people across the country are confronting unprecedented personal and collective challenges, Say Yes When Life Says No offers a bold and necessary roadmap for overcoming obstacles, reclaiming mission, and choosing possibility—even in the face of life’s most unforgiving “no.”
Florida Couriuer
TOBA Foundation announces keynote speaker for MLK Leadership Breakfast
Nov 14, 2025
The TOBA Foundation proudly announces that DeForest Soaries will serve as the keynote speaker for its 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Breakfast, to be held at 6:45 a.m., Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. The event will be held at the J.W. Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa.
Each year, this cornerstone event honors the enduring life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., drawing together more than 1,200 attendees from across the Tampa Bay region for an inspiring morning of unity, recognition and renewal of purpose. The Co-chairs are Candace Cowen and Dante Moss.
WURD Radio
Dr. DeForest Soaries, Jr. on Evening WURDs
Nov 6, 2025
Dr. DeForest B. Soaries is the former Secretary of State of New Jersey, founder of the DFREE Financial Freedom Movement and author of “Say Yes to No Debt”. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss his recent NCAA Integrity Letter.
Gospel Music Association
Fred Hammond, Dr. DeForest Soaries Launch New Media Company
Oct 16, 2025
Gospel icon Fred Hammond and visionary leader Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. proudly announce the launch of FBF&T (Fred, Buster, Film & Theater), a groundbreaking film, theater and media production company rooted in faith, purpose, and storytelling.
This dynamic collaboration—more than three decades in the making—unites Hammond’s artistry with Soaries’ visionary leadership. The two first met in 1987, when Dr. Soaries managed gospel greats including Tramaine Hawkins, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Commissioned—the legendary group that launched Hammond’s career. Their shared journey in ministry and purpose has now culminated in FBF&T, an entity dedicated to producing powerful, faith-based films that uplift communities and inspire transformation.
The Ministry Exchange
How Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. Broke the Mold of Ministry, Money, & Politics
Oct 1, 2025
In this episode of The Ministry Exchange, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. reflects on a ministry and public life that spans nearly three decades at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, service as New Jersey’s Secretary of State, and the creation of the groundbreaking dfree® Financial Freedom Movement.
Shaped by mentors like Rev. S. Howard Woodson and Dr. Samuel DeWitt Proctor, Dr. Soaries shares how faith, politics, and community development intersected in his calling—and why financial freedom became central to his ministry. He also opens up about his unique role in the gospel music industry, managing artists like Tremaine Hawkins, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Commissioned, and Fred Hammond with a focus on stronger contracts, fair treatment, and theological integrity.
Christian Theological Seminary Indy
“dfree® Financial Freedom Movement” - Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series
Sep 19, 2025
With over 30 years of ministry experience as the third Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Dr. DeForest Soaries has a deep understanding of the importance of spiritual growth, educational excellence, economic empowerment, and faith-based community development. In 2005, he launched the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, which has helped countless people become financially self-sufficient. Dr. Soaries has authored 12 books, including the bestsellers “Say Yes to No Debt” and “Say Yes When Life Says No”. He also hosts a weekly radio show on SiriusXM Urban View called “For Your Soul.”
WURD Radio
Dr. DeForest Soaries, Jr. on Evening WURDs
Sep 15, 2025
Dr. DeForest Soaries Jr. is former Secretary of State of New Jersey, founder of the DFREE Financial Freedom Movement and author of “Say Yes to No Debt”. He joined Dr. Peterson to discuss Black debt, financial trauma and keys to break generational curses.
Black PR Wire
Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. to Receive Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s International President’s Award of Excellence and Launches Second Edition of Best-Selling Book Say Yes to No Debt
Jul 9, 2025
In a powerful moment of recognition and achievement, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. - renowned faith leader, social innovator, and financial freedom advocate—will receive The International President’s Award of Excellence, presented by Elsie Cooke-Holmes, International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., during the public program “At the Fortitude Rising: A Celebration of Resilience in the Pursuit of Excellence” at the Sorority’s 57th National Convention taking place in Washington, D.C on Thursday July 10th.
This national honor comes as Dr. Soaries marks another major milestone: the release of the second edition of his best-selling book, Say Yes to No Debt: Your Complete Guide to Financial Freedom—a bold and expanded roadmap to economic liberation in the 21st century.
TV One
For the Love of Money | TV One Highlights Financial Literacy Month
Jul 9, 2025
Did you know that the dollar only circulates in the Black community for 6 hours, allegedly? Meaning, in our communities, we tend to spend elsewhere rather than spending our money intentionally with Black owned businesses.
According to 2020 U.S. census data, the median net worth of Black households is only $18,430, which is the lowest among any race or ethnicity in America. In comparison, the median net worth of all U.S. households is about 7.6 times higher than Black net worth.
Whew. Depressing right?
Going Big! with Kevin Gentry
Financial Freedom & Bold Vision: Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries on Breaking Barriers and Going Big
Feb 10, 2025
Dr. DeForest “Buster” Soaries has spent his life Going Big—whether as a civil rights leader, mega-church pastor, financial educator, or faith-driven entrepreneur. In this episode of the Going Big Podcast, host Kevin Gentry sits down with Dr. Soaries to explore his journey from community activism to leading a financial revolution through the dfree® Movement, empowering thousands to achieve true financial freedom.
From breaking free of debt to building lasting wealth, Dr. Soaries shares his game-changing approach to financial empowerment and how personal responsibility and faith intersect with social justice. He reveals the lessons that shaped him, the mentors who guided him, and how believing in yourself is the first step to Going Big in any area of life.
Black Enterprise
The Reset: Adopting A Prosperity Mindset For 2025
Jan 9, 2025
The holiday season (and the spending that comes with it) is over and we’ve crossed the threshold of a brand new year. This is the season to take a beat, reset our lifestyles, realign our budgets, and make financial wellness and family wealth priorities. dFree Global Foundation Founder & CEO DeForest B. Soaries Jr. joins Your Money Your Life to share the rich rewards of bringing intentionality and awareness to our financial choices. Lock in to gain a prosperity mindset for 2025.
Africa.com
From the U.S. to South Africa: Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. Set to Empower at Baptist Convention’s Annual Assembly
Dec 13, 2024
The Baptist Convention of South Africa (BCSA) welcomed Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr., renowned pastor, author, and founder of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, to its Annual Assembly. The event took place from December 12th to 15th, 2024, at the Thusong Centre, Zuurbekom, BCSA Headquarters.
Dr. Soaries had been invited to deliver the keynote sermon during the ordination service on Sunday, December 15th, marking a significant moment in the lives of new pastors entering the ministry. In addition to this honor, he led one-hour breakout sessions on Friday and Saturday to present his groundbreaking work on financial empowerment and the dfree® philosophy of living debt-free.
Africa.com
Entrepreneur and Businessman Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. Returns to Ghana for Historic Celebration and Community Development Initiatives
Oct 10, 2024
October 2024 marks an important milestone in the enduring partnership between Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. and the Kingdom of Akyem Abuakwa in Ghana, West Africa. This visit, Dr. Soaries’ second to Ghana in 2024, will include a delegation of 40 individuals who will join in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of His Majesty, the King of Akyem Abuakwa. The silver jubilee will draw dignitaries, including the President of Ghana, traditional royals from across the country, and international allies. Dr. Soaries, a close friend and trusted business and development advisor to His Majesty, has been a vital force in strengthening the kingdom’s infrastructure and community well-being for nearly two decades.
Face2Face Africa
Visionary entrepreneur and statesman Dr. DeForest B. Soaries leads delegation in Ghana
Jul 3, 2024
Visionary, impactful, and transformative, Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. has a wealth of experience and expertise in community development, public service, and financial empowerment. He is an international asset and a civil rights icon in the United States.
Dr. Soaries has a long and impactful history of community leadership, beginning with his 30-year tenure as the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey. His extensive public service experience includes serving as New Jersey’s first African-American Secretary of State and chairing the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
Africa.com
The Newark Women Moving Forward Financial Initiative Offers Free Education and Solutions for Personal, Business Finances, Home Ownership, and Estate Planning
Mar 28, 2024
First Lady Linda Baraka, whose parents immigrated from Ghana and settled in Newark, NJ more than 45 years ago, will lead the Newark Women Forward Financial Initiative (NWFMI) to empower 1,000 city women with comprehensive financial education and tools to achieve personal independence. The program will consist of financial education, virtual and live events to offer free solutions such issues, and access to licensed professionals through Prudential Financial.
Black Enterprise
Rev. DeForest B. Soaries to Host Webinar on How to Earn Pay As A Corporate Board Member
Oct 26, 2020
As U.S. companies are facing growing pressure to diversify their boards, an upcoming webinar will offer insights on how Black Americans can become corporate board members and earn pay for it.
The virtual event, How to Become Corporate Board Ready, will take place at 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Organizers say discussions will be led by DeForest B. Soaries Jr., a Baptist minister, author, and public advocate.
INVITE ME TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT
Never underestimate where God puts you and what God gives you.
Dr. DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.