Roots of Legacy: Family & Heritage

Dr. John Louis Flateau Services

On this page are images of the Bridge Street AWME Church services celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. John Louis Flateau. The words below are from the online journal of Medgar Evers College, where Dr. Flateau taught. OTP’s coverage of the memorial to Dr. Flateau will be presented on these pages later this month.
A beloved cornerstone of Medgar Evers College for decades, Dr. John Louis Flateau was laid to rest on Wednesday, January 10, his life honored by family, friends, and a stout lineup of political powerhouses. (The services were held at Bridge Street AWME Church, and the repast at Medgar Evers College.)

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 Bichotte-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 who 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.”