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Matthew Okebiyi, Founder & Executive Director

Matthew Okebiyi

Matthew Okebiyi is the founder and currently serves as the Executive Director of the African American Planning Commission, a New York City-based 501(C)(3), not-for-profit organization.

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, located along the coastline of West Africa, Matthew spent most of his early childhood and formal schooling years being shuttled between various parts of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. It was during those formative years that he witnessed abject poverty and hunger, homelessness, child neglect, sexism, and human rights violations, first hand. Those incidents would later have a profound impact upon his life.

Matthew immigrated to the United States in the early 1980s and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he attended college on a full-time basis. Matthew 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. Matthew completed his Mental Health training at Hunter College School of Social Work in New York City. Matthew Pursued advanced studies earning two doctorates, one in International Relations and the other in African American Studies.

Prior to founding the African American Planning Commission, Matthew worked for and/or was a consultant to organizations such as Volunteers of America–Greater NY, Inc., (VOA-GNY), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, the Bushwick Economic Development Corporation (BEDCo), and Urban Strategies, Inc., (USI). Matthew served as a Program Officer with the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA), where he had oversight responsibilities for twenty-five (25) contracted nonprofit organizations in all five NYC boroughs. Matthew has volunteered with hunger and children's literacy programs. He continues to maintain a volunteer teaching schedule; tutoring several undergraduate and post-graduate students, 100% of whom have received their Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degrees.

In his capacity as Project Director for a number of private, nonprofit organizations, Matthew sought funding from a variety of sources and developed several multi-year, multi-million dollar programs, including a transitional shelter for homeless women with histories of substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness; a homeless outreach program serving the immediate and on-going needs of street-dwelling homeless men and women; and a comprehensive job training program for a varied population of homeless individuals and the general public.

During his tenure with one not-for-profit organization, Matthew helped increase their total assets from $1.2 million to over $30 million within a three-year period.

Matthew Okebiyi & Congressman
Matthew Okebiyi with US Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns

Upon his founding of the African American Planning Commission, Inc. in 1996, Matthew established an ambitious agenda for the organization which would involve the development of the following:

a homeless shelter with on- and off-site supportive services for survivors of domestic violence,
a permanent residence with on-site supportive services for families, single adults, and the elderly, living with HIV/AIDS,
a Section 202 Residence for seniors, 62 years of age or older,
Affordable housing for low and moderate-income working families and single adults,
an economic development corporation aimed at job creation; and,
a Group Home for youths.

Serenity House Family Residence was the first of the organization’s ambitious undertaking.

Matthew says, “Starting and seeking funding to operate a nonprofit organization has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding endeavors I have ever undertaken. The process has taught me so much about the political arena and has afforded me the opportunity to meet a varied cast of human characters.”

In 2002, Matthew received the “Spirit of Hope” award from American Hope for his community service efforts.
Also in 2002, Matthew was one of the recipients of The Network Journal's (TNJ) “40-Under-Forty” Achievement Award at its fifth annual celebration. The award was presented to him for his service to the community and for his dedication to the mission of the African American Planning Commission.
In 2005, Matthew was honored by Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Eastern Region) at its 55th Eastern Regional Teen Conference for AAPCI’s work with teenage victims of relationship abuse. Matthew donated his cash award to AAPCI.
In 2011, Matthew was the recipient of the “Man of the Year” award presented by Key Women of America, Inc., (Brooklyn Branch). The award pays tribute to worthy individuals for their notable accomplishments and public service.

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Q &A with Matthew Okebiyi

Q: What keeps you going when you feel like giving up?

A: When I am completely overwhelmed by the events that shape our world and need to reaffirm that what I’m doing is not in vain, I often revisit and meditate on “The Walk.”

Q: Working to help others is a pressure intensive undertaking that can be extremely overwhelming. What do you do for fun and relaxation?

A: Having been fortunate to have lived on many continents, I consider myself a traveler without borders. For fun and relaxation, (when I’m able to find the time to do that) I visit as many foreign countries as possible (I have a deep affinity for developing nations), study various cultures and customs, and try as many exotic dishes as possible (a sautéed grub or two is not out of the ordinary). I have many other passions, including: writing screenplays, having lengthy discussions with thought-provoking people from all walks of life who have a vastly different perspective about the issues that shape our world than I do (it’s okay for us to agree to disagree), listening to jazz and other types of so-called ethnic music from all over the world. Besides those, I have a tremendous fascination for all kinds of insects (yes, I must confess. I enjoy studying unusual bugs!) and exotic animals -- birds, reptiles, and big cats. My New York apartment has often been described as the new Wild Kingdom by some very close friends and neighbors.

Q: What are your pet-peeves?

A: Micro-management. Just hire the best employees possible and give them free reins to do their jobs while holding them accountable.

Q: Your favorite meal?

A: One of my favorite meals is rice and plantains with oxtails and vegetables washed down with a very cold beverage. Ahhh, life is good, my friend.

Q: Your favorite sporting events…

A: Professional boxing, Olympic track & field events, and world cup football (soccer to those of you in North America). Hey, 6 billion fans around the planet can’t be wrong!

Q: What do you love the most about AAPCI?

A: The potential it has. Working with an eclectic and culturally diverse staff who are truly passionate about the organization’s mission often makes my work day sail very smoothly. One is always humbled and grateful when surrounded by caring and resourceful employees who continuously go the extra mile to help you realize your vision.

Q: What do you dislike most about working for a not-for-profit organization?

A: As an administrator, you face many challenges. I find that I never have enough money to accomplish the things I truly envision. 70% of my time is shared between planning new projects and fundraising (responding to RFPs, preparing grant applications, soliciting donations); 20% is spent between administrative responsibilities and balancing the budget, and another 10% is spent worrying about a spiraling down economy and how I am going to meet next year’s expenses if I’m unable to raise sufficient funds during this fiscal year.

Q: How can anyone get involved with AAPCI?

A: With all the cutbacks in government funding and private donations, we are asking for individual donations, particularly in this economic climate. Many philanthropic institutions have either minimized their investments in community development programs or completely overhauled their funding priorities for one reason or another. I often pray for a benefactor with deep pockets who shares our vision. Click here for some ideas of how you can get involved with our organization.

Q: What other profession would you like to try if you were not doing this?

A: Too many to mention, but serving humanity in one form or another would be at the top of my list.

Q: Last question. What advice would you give anyone trying to start a new not-for-profit organization or NGO?

A: Have a very well thought out and written plan of action… run it by your board of directors… know your organization’s strengths and weaknesses and find ways to build your capacity. Know your funders intimately. Develop a solid professional support system, and have lots of patience. The not-for-profit world is not an easy cake walk.

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