Saying goodbye to our ‘humble giant’

Dr. Wallace Ford and Dr. John Flateau had already put their heads together in preparation for Black History Month in late 2023, securing February 5 on the extensive calendar for Medgar Evers College’s month-long celebration.

That programming never came to fruition when we lost the legendary Dr. Flateau in late December.

But February 5 remained on the calendar.

It was spent instead paying tribute to the man that spent nearly three decades at Medgar Evers College, with family, alums, current students and faculty sharing stories of his impact on them personally and the community at large.

Here is a selection of those words:

Dr. Patricia Ramsey

“I called him the humble giant … but he wasn’t as quiet as he appeared when he needed to not be quiet.”

Provost Antoinette Coleman

“He kept his word. He kept his word to his students. I’ve learned he’s always supportive of his family. And he really, really cared about teaching, research, and the development of people. … Most of all, he wanted the success of people of color in this world to get what they earn, and deserve.”

JoAnn Rolle, Dean of School of Business

“Dr. Flateau’s commitment to Medgar Evers college has an indelible impact on our students, and his tireless dedication to the Brooklyn community have left a legacy that will continue to inspire us. His departure is a profound loss not only to our academic community, but to the many lives he touched.”

Dr. Brenda Greene

“John was always the person who would keep people calm and look at things in a very, very logical way. So I say to the students, look at the life that John lived, it was really a purpose-driven life. And I think you/we can take lessons from there. Think about what you really want to do. Think about what drives you, and pursue that with a passion. Think about how you can perfect that; work hard at what you want to do. You have to define that for yourself. And John did that.”

Gregorio Mayers, Professor 

“(Dr. Flataeau wanted to) make sure that we empower black folks, make sure to know that we are qualified, we are competent to do this work. And it is important for us to make sure that we don’t stand back. … He said, no matter what, we must always be there.”

Lishawn Alexander, Professor

“Dr. Flateau was a mentor, he was a friend. And one of the good things is that he found his purpose early, which is something that not a lot of people do, they find it maybe later in life. But he found his purpose early, and was able to do what he loved. He lived a life of passion.”

James Harding, Professor

“(Dr. Flateau) was a part of the history of this institution. He was a part of the history of this community. He was a part of the history of this city, he was a part of the history of this state. So 40 years from now, when you have a program like this, let’s not forget who John Flateau was. Because his memory needs to go on as an eternal flame everlasting in our minds, in our communities, for your grandchildren, for your families. John Flateau didn’t look for credit. John Flateau didn’t look for respect. John Flateau looked to get the job done. And he did that very well. And he did it better than most. That’s what we need to remember. John Flateau gave his life for the betterment of all the students in this school, to make you better for you to be able to carry on.”

Camille McIntosh, Alum 

“I say to everyone in the room, don’t wait for the opportunity to do what you got to do today. And even for tomorrow.”

Geraldyne Raphael, President, Student Government Association

“The first time I met him was last semester at a Chat with the President. And he was sitting right next to me. And that was the first time that I announced publicly that I’ll be changing my major over to public administration. And I, you know, that was a nerve wracking experience, because although I am the president of SGA, I don’t like talking about myself. So when I said that I was nervous. And I remember at the end of the meeting, he asked me my name. And he told me his name. And we shook hands. And he said, ‘I look forward to teaching you.’ This semester, I am in public administration. So it’s nice to know that although I won’t be a student of his, that his legacy is still here at Medgar Evers College.”

Peter Williams, friend and colleague

“I was his little brother. Sometimes I didn’t like it, but he treated me like family. Folks talk about all the numbers and all this other stuff, but he was just a caring, strong, black man.”

Lynda Hamilton, colleague at Columbia University and with Mayor Dinkins

Note: Ms. Hamilton was channeling the late Mayor Dinkins in the following passage

“We must remember that it is not how long he lived with us, but how wealthy he lived those days. He was given the joy that came from the teaching, from his faith, the love of his wonderful family, and companionship, treasured friends, the fulfillment of his dreams, and the great big heart. … My friends, service to others is the rent we pay for our space. John Flateau has paid in full, let him not look down and find any of us in arrears.”