Community honors the legacy of Dr. John Louis Flateau at Medgar Evers College

A beloved cornerstone of Medgar Evers College for decades, Dr. John Louis Flateau was laid to rest on Wednesday morning, his life honored by family, friends and a stout lineup of political powerhouses.

The morning featured Medgar Evers College President Dr. Patricia Ramsey offering a tribute from academia, preceded by a political lineup that included Honorable Dr. Annette M. Robinson, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie, New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bischotte-Hermelyn, New York State Attorney General Letitia James and former New York State Assemblyman Roger Green. The memorial was full of testimonials showcasing Dr. Flateau’s commitment to improving the lives of every student, resident and corner of our community.

He was also honored by former friends and colleagues Velmanette Montgomery (retired New York State senator), Katie Davis (former chair, Medgar Evers College Council) and Paul Wooten (New York State Supreme Court justice).

In a tribute to his home away from home, the family hosted a repast on campus at Medgar Evers College on Wednesday afternoon.

With Dr. Robinson and former Assemblyman Green in attendance at Medgar Evers College, hundreds broke bread while telling stories of Dr. Flateau’s impact at the school, while also reflecting on his ability to mentor those looking to make an impact, albeit through community service or in the political sphere.

Many described him as a humble man, one that learned the power of listening and data in creating winning strategies that helped both David Dinkins and Eric Adams become the first two Black mayors in the history of New York City.

The Flateau and Witherspoon families received an outpouring of love and appreciation from the nearly two dozen speakers during the repast. Dr. Flateau’s brother and sister, Adele and Richard (both former Medgar Evers College adjunct professors), addressed the crowd to thank the Medgar Evers College community for lifting the spirits of the family at a very difficult time.

“You helped us focus on honoring his life and remembering his impact,” Adele Flateau said. “So many schools talk about being a family, but Medgar Evers College really shows it.”

And that doesn’t stop on January 10, President Ramsey said.

“We are here for the family, whether that’s today, tomorrow or in the future, the Flateau family has our support from all of us.”

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Editor’s note: Provided by his family, the following is the official obituary for Dr. Flateau:

JOHN LOUIS FLATEAU, PhD., was an extraordinary, loving family man; a brilliant political strategist; gifted educator and author; voting rights advocate; and a tireless community activist. Born on February 24, 1950, he passed away suddenly on December 30, 2023. John was the fourth of seven children of Sidney Flateau, Sr. and Jeanne Hill Flateau. Three children were born in Jersey City: Sidney, Jr., Anne and Alice, delivered by their great aunt, Dr. Lena Edwards, Ob/Gyn.  Four more children were born in Brooklyn: John, Adele, Andrea and Richard.  (He is survived by Anne, Alice, Adele and Richard.) Although he was a brilliant student, he described his elementary school years this way: “I was bored in my early years, and I was a classroom nuisance, until the Nuns made adjustments, and informed my parents, which brought about rapid correction…. St. Peter Claver was much more than just a school where I received a high-quality education.  It was a key center of activity for the Black community, thriving and striving in the midst of American racism.” He attended Bishop Ford HS in Brooklyn, excelling academically and getting a scholarship to New York University.

While working and raising his family, Dr. Flateau earned his Ph.D. in Political Science, in American Politics and Public Policy from the Graduate Center, City University of NY (CUNY). He earned three master’s degrees, including an MPA from Baruch College; and a BA in English Literature from New York University.  He was a tenured, full Professor of Public Administration and Political Science at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, until the time of his death. Since 1994, he held several leadership positions at MEC, while educating new generations of leadership. He directed two of Medgar’s cutting edge think tanks, the DuBois Bunche Center for Public Policy; and the U.S. Census Information Center.  At the time of his death, Dr. Flateau was also a Commissioner on the NY State Independent Redistricting Commission, charged to redraw all 26 congressional, and 213 state legislative districts, based on the 2020 Census and Voting Rights mandates.

In 1973, along with his father Sidney Sr., and his sister Andrea, John became a founding member of the Vanguard Independent Democratic Association (VIDA). He served as a Legislative Aide to the late Hon. Dr. Albert Vann, who became a life-long mentor and friend.  John served as Chief of Staff and campaign coordinator for Mayor David Dinkins, NYC’s first Black Mayor, 1990-93.  He held numerous positions as a corporate executive and as a public servant.  Just recently, in October 2023, VIDA awarded John with the Dr. Albert Vann Legacy Award. John was an advisor, manager and analyst on pivotal campaigns and elections empowering Communities of Color and Women — including the landmark U.S. Supreme Court voting rights case, Flateau v. Anderson. He was a thought leader, media commentator, lecturer and author of: The Prison Industrial Complex: Race, Crime and Justice in New York; Blackout, Media Ownership Concentration; and Black Brooklyn, The Politics of Ethnicity, Class and Gender. He was a contributor to Racial Inequality in New York City Since 1965 (SUNY Press, 2019).  John worked with a broad range of mainline and progressive organizations, including Faith, community, professional and educational groups.

Almost five decades ago, a serendipitous encounter at a New York University undergraduate party laid the foundation for a lifetime of love for John Flateau and Lorraine Witherspoon. Their journey started as classmates, evolving into a beautiful romance that blossomed into marriage in 1978. The House of the Lord Church, adorned by the presence of Reverend Herbert Daughtry, bore witness to their vows, marking the beginning of a shared life. In 1981, their family expanded with the arrival of Marcus Flateau, followed by the joyous addition of Jonathan Flateau in 1983. Settling in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant, they established a warm and nurturing home where they not only raised their children but became integral members of the community. Over four decades of marriage, John and Lorraine’s enduring commitment has woven a tapestry of love, resilience, and treasured memories, surrounded by the joy and laughter of their children and three delightful grandchildren, creating a legacy that is as heartwarming as it is enduring.

John was a lifelong resident of the historic Bedford Stuyvesant community in Brooklyn. He was a member of Bridge St. African Methodist Episcopal Church; a life member of the NAACP; and a member of the African Atlantic Genealogical Society, Inc. (AAGS) with his sister Adele and late sister Andrea who died in July 2023. Together with all of his siblings, he diligently researched his family history. He was a descendant of enslaved, Free African and multi-racial ancestors dating back to the 1700s. He described himself as, “… carrying forward the struggle to obliterate America’s original sin of Racism; and to bring about Freedom, Justice and Equality for All People… a Soldier, in the battle for the mind, heart and soul of American Democracy.” John will be missed terribly by his family, and throughout New York, the nation and the globe. His legacy of public service for more than 50 years will never be forgotten.

May John rest in eternal peace and power.