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 main pastor of the Greater Allen African Methodist Episcopal Cathedral in Jamaica, Queens, New York. This church has over 23,000 members. 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, which is part of the U.S. government.
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Early Life and Education
Floyd Flake was born in Los Angeles, California. 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, he went to Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree there. He was the first person in his family to graduate from college. Later, he earned a special degree called a Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. He also studied at other universities, including Boston University.
Career Highlights
Floyd Flake started his career as a social worker. Then, he worked for a company called Xerox as a marketing expert. He also worked at universities, helping students. He was the director of student affairs at Lincoln University. He also served as the dean of students at Boston University.
In 1976, he became the leader of the Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church. This church is now known as The Greater Allen Cathedral of New York. When he started, the church had about 1,400 members. Under his leadership, it grew a lot, reaching over 23,000 members.
From 2002 to 2008, Flake was the president of Wilberforce University. He also supported other politicians, like New York Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm Smith. Even though he was part of the Democratic party, he sometimes supported Republicans. For example, he supported Michael Bloomberg in the 2005 New York City mayoral election.
Political Career
In 1986, Floyd Flake was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He represented New York's 6th congressional district. This area included Jamaica, Queens, and many nearby neighborhoods. He stayed in Congress until 1997. He decided to leave his political job to focus on 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 usually voted for Democrats.
Greater Allen A. M. E. Cathedral of New York
Floyd Flake is the main pastor of the Greater Allen A. M. E. Cathedral of New York. This church is in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. The church and its related organizations have a large budget. They own many buildings and businesses. They also run a private school with 750 students. This school was started by Flake and his wife, Elaine. The church is known for being a major real estate developer in the area. It is also one of the biggest private employers in Queens.
Other Important Work
Floyd Flake has served on the boards of several important organizations. These include the Fannie Mae Foundation and The Princeton Review. He was also part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Advisory Committee. This committee helps make rules for banks. He is also a fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.
In October 2020, a street in Queens was renamed in his honor. Merrick Boulevard in southeastern Queens is now named after him. This was done to recognize his important role as a community leader.
Personal Life
Floyd Flake is married to Margaret Elaine McCollins. They have four children.
See also
