Senate Resolution No. 1466

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

MOURNING the death of Dr. John Louis Flateau,
devoted family man, dedicated professor, and
distinguished member of his community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Dr. John Louis Flateau was one
such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Dr. John Louis Flateau, noting
the significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John Louis Flateau of Brooklyn, New York, died on
December 30, 2023, at the age of 73; and

WHEREAS, A lifelong public servant, community activist, political
strategist, and a dedicated mentor throughout his decades-long career at
Medgar Evers College (MEC), Dr. John Louis Flateau served as a beloved
professor and chair of the Department of Public Administration at Medgar
Evers College, while also serving as the Director of the Dubois Bunche
Center for Public Policy; he was also the former dean for both MEC's
School of Business and Office of External Relations; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John Louis Flateau was also a lifelong learner who led
by example when it came to his students, earning a PhD in Political
Science, Public Policy and American Politics from CUNY, while also
obtaining Masters degrees in Philosophy in Political Science, Public
Administration and Political Science, Urban Policy; he secured his
Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from New York University's
Washington Square College; and

WHEREAS, A true community pillar, Dr. John Louis Flateau's resume
was impeccable, showing his servant's heart from a young age and prior
to joining Medgar Evers College in 1994; he served as the Summer Youth
Program Director of the Brooklyn Catholic Diocese from 1968-72, Harlem
Youth Worker for the NYS Division for Youth from 1978-79, District
Council 37 AFSCME Education Department from 1971-74, Executive Director
of the NYS Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus from 1975-1982,
Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for the NYS Empire
State Development Corporation from 1983-1990, Chief of Staff to Mayor
David N. Dinkins from 1991-93, and as Deputy Secretary for
Intergovernmental Relations for the New York State Senate from 2009-10;
and

WHEREAS, Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. John Louis
Flateau became well-known for his public service where he took on a
number of key roles, including: Member, NYS Legislative Task Force On
Demographic Research and Reapportionment; Commissioner, New York City
Districting Commission; Member, Redistricting Advisory Group, NYC Board
of Education; Chairman, US Census Advisory Committee on the African
American Population; National Steering Committee, Census Information

Centers; Co-Chair, NYC Black Advisory Committee, Census 2000; and
Chairman, Board of Trustees, Community School Board 16, Brooklyn; he was
also appointed to the Independent Redistricting Commission by Senate
Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins; and

WHEREAS, An intellectual giant, acclaimed educator and dedicated
public servant, Dr. John Louis Flateau was instrumental in shaping the
lives of countless students, and his work in both the city and state
government helped advance justice and equity for communities across New
York; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John Louis Flateau's public service was only
overshadowed by his dedication to community service, where he was
involved with a plethora of organizations, including: the American
Society for Public Administration; American Political Science
Association; American Association of Political Consultants; Population
Association of America; National Forum For Black Public Administrators;
NAACP Brooklyn Branch; Community Board 3, Brooklyn; Citizens Union,
Board Of Directors; Chairman of the Board: Achievement First Endeavor
Charter School; Vannguard Urban Improvement Association; Bridge Street
Development Corporation; DELBAC Inc., Board of Directors, Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter; Senior Board Of Stewards,
Bridge St. AWME Church; Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund, Inc.,
Academic Advisory Board; Chairman, Medgar Evers College Community
Council; NY Voting Rights Consortium; and the Majority Coalition Of
Redistricting Professionals; and

WHEREAS, A tremendous leader who uplifted and inspired his
community, Dr. John Louis Flateau and his enormous contributions will
have a lasting impact for many years to come; he is survived by his
wife, Lorraine; two sons, Marcus and Jonathan, and their families; and
four siblings, Anne, Alice, Adele, and Richard; and and

WHEREAS, Dr. John Louis Flateau's infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love, light
and hope to the countless lives he touched; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Dr. John Louis Flateau leaves behind a legacy which will
long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory
to all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing man;
he will be deeply missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this
Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Dr. John Louis Flateau, and to express its deepest
condolences to his family; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Dr. John Louis Flateau.