Floyd Flake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Floyd Flake
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| 18th President of Wilberforce University | |
| In office 2002–2008 |
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| Preceded by | John L. Henderson |
| Succeeded by | Patricia Hardaway |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 6th district |
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| In office January 3, 1987 – November 17, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | Alton Waldon |
| Succeeded by | Gregory Meeks |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Floyd Harold Flake
January 30, 1945 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Margaret Elaine McCollins |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Wilberforce University (BA) United Theological Seminary (DMin) |
Floyd Harold Flake (born January 30, 1945) is an American businessman, minister, and former politician. He was the senior pastor of the Greater Allen A. M. E. Cathedral of New York in Jamaica, Queens, New York. He also served as the 18th president of Wilberforce University. From 1987 to 1997, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives.
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Early Life and Education
Floyd Flake was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 30, 1945. He grew up in Houston, Texas, as one of fifteen children. His parents, Robert Flake, Sr. and Rosie Lee Johnson-Flake, taught him strong Christian values.
After finishing high school, Flake attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree there, becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. He later earned a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He also studied at other universities and received honorary degrees from several institutions.
Career Highlights
Floyd Flake began his career as a social worker. He then worked for Xerox as a marketing analyst. Later, he became the director of student affairs at Lincoln University. He also served as dean of students at Boston University.
In 1976, he became the head of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church. This church is now known as The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York. Under his leadership, the church grew from about 1,400 members to over 23,000.
Leading Wilberforce University
From 2002 to 2008, Flake served as the president of Wilberforce University. This is the same university where he earned his bachelor's degree.
Political Journey
In 1986, Floyd Flake was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented New York's 6th congressional district. This district included parts of Jamaica, Queens, and nearby areas. He served in Congress from 1987 until 1997. He chose to leave Congress early to focus on his work at his church full-time.
While in Congress, Flake was known for working with politicians from different parties. He often worked with conservative Republicans, even though his district was mostly Democratic.
Business Activities
Floyd Flake has been involved in various business ventures. He had an ownership interest in a group that operated a gaming facility at the Aqueduct Race Track. He later withdrew from this project.
The Greater Allen A. M. E. Cathedral
Flake is the senior pastor of the Greater Allen A. M. E. Cathedral of New York. This church is located in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. The church and its related organizations have a large budget. They also own many commercial and residential properties. The church runs a private school with 750 students, which Flake and his wife Elaine founded. The church is known as a major real estate developer in the area. It is also one of the largest private employers in Queens.
Other Important Roles
Floyd Flake serves on several important boards. These include the Fannie Mae Foundation and The Princeton Review. He is also a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Advisory Committee. He is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.
In October 2020, Merrick Boulevard in southeastern Queens was renamed in his honor. This was done to recognize his important role as a community leader in Queens.
Personal Life
Floyd Flake is married to Margaret Elaine McCollins. They have four children together.
See also
