The Caribbean community in New York City is grieving the sudden and profound loss of Dr. John Flateau, a distinguished African-American educator, renowned for his dedication to public service and celebrated as a cerebral giant.
Flateau passed away Saturday morning. His passing was announced on social media by his family.
Dr. Flateau’s death has left a deep void, as he was a prominent figure in the academic and political landscape of the city.
A respected educator at Medgar Evers College
Dr. Flateau, 73, formerly served as the dean of Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College School of Business and Office of External Relations.
His contributions to academia were substantial, spanning across various roles, including his long-standing professorship in the Department of Public Administration and his directorship of the Dubois Bunche Center for Public Policy, both located at the Crown Heights-based Medgar Evers College.
A lifelong learner and community pillar
Medgar Evers College lauded Dr. Flateau as a lifelong learner who led by example.
He held a Ph.D. in Political Science, Public Policy, and American Politics from the City University of New York (CUNY), along with multiple master’s degrees in Philosophy in Political Science, Public Administration, and Political Science Urban Policy.
It was not just his academic achievements but also his commitment to applying his knowledge that made Dr. Flateau an esteemed pillar of the community, inspiring both students and future leaders.
A shared journey with colleague Dr. Clinton Crawford
Dr. Clinton Crawford, a Guyanese-born Professor Emeritus in Art at Medgar Evers College, reflected on their shared journey while speaking to the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC).
Both educators arrived at the predominantly Black institution around the same time, with a significant presence of Caribbean students. Dr. Crawford referred to Dr. Flateau affectionately as “Jay Flat” and highlighted Dr. Flateau’s early dedication to addressing the prison industrial complex, as well as his instrumental role in founding the Ralph Bunche DuBois Center.
Long-standing friendships and mentoring
Attorney Gregorio Mayers, a Panamanian-born Associate Professor at Medgar Evers College, also shared his deep friendship with Dr. Flateau with CMC.
Their friendship dates back to 1989 when Mayers was a student leader at the institution.
Dr. Flateau served as a mentor to Mayers, particularly during his involvement with the late New York City Mayor David Dinkins’ election campaign, where Dr. Flateau played a pivotal role as a campaign strategist.
Mayers emphasized Dr. Flateau’s vision to empower younger Black and Latino individuals in the city’s executive branch.
A profound influence on colleagues
Dr. Zulema Blair, the Jamaican-American chair of MEC’s Department of Public Administration, fondly remembered Dr. Flateau as her first supervisor at Medgar Evers College.
In her tribute, she hailed him as a true warrior and legend, acknowledging his significant impact on Black Brooklyn and beyond.
Tributes from political leaders
Not only did Dr. Flateau leave a lasting impression on the academic community, but his influence also extended to the political realm.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, representing the largely Caribbean 8th Congressional District, described Dr. Flateau as a brilliant strategist, electoral tactician, scholar, and community leader.
He credited Dr. Flateau for being part of a transformative movement in Central Brooklyn during the 1980s and 1990s that continues to shape the community to this day.
A dedicated public servant
New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, the son of Grenadian immigrants, expressed to CMC his deep sadness at Dr. Flateau’s passing.
He hailed Dr. Flateau as a cerebral giant and a dedicated public servant, emphasizing his contributions to advancing justice and equity for communities throughout New York City.
Williams acknowledged Dr. Flateau’s role as a commissioner of the NYC Districting Commission, where he played a crucial part in ensuring accurate representation of the city’s diverse population.
Remembering a community advocate
New York State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, spoke on behalf of the party and the Haitian community.
She described Dr. Flateau as an ardent community advocate whose profound public service significantly impacted civil rights. His legacy, she asserted, would endure for generations, and her thoughts and prayers were with his loved ones.
