Rev. Floyd Flake (Finding Aid)

Rev. Floyd Flake

1945 -

Favorite Color: Blue ...maybe

Favorite Food: Baked salmon; black-eyed peas

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Caribbean cruises

Interview Length: 162 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 15, 2001

Interview Location(s): The Greater Allen Cathedral, Jamaica, New York

Abstract

Reverend Flake discusses in his book, 'The Way of the Bootstrapper,' the self help models used by Booker T. Washington and Richard Allen. He discusses his family and how distant family denied their black heritage and passed for white, even going so far as altering their last name. Later, he recalls how his grandparents' religious influence played a role in his upbringing in Texas. Flake then gives extensive recollections on his father's workaholic habits and his mother's shortened life brought on by giving birth to many children. Lastly, Flake recalls his earliest childhood memory at age three. Reverend Flake details the living arrangements in the new house his father purchased in Texas. He describes his personality as a child and a life-altering punishment he received from his father. Later he reflects on the lessons he learned as a young boy when his health forced him to stay home from school for six months. Flake then recalls his life in one of Houston's many segregated wards and his decision to leave Texas to attend Wilberforce University in Ohio after being wrongly arrested. Lastly, Flake gives a listing of all the schools he attended, leading up to his attendance at Wilberforce. Reverend Flake describes the many jobs he held from the age of nineteen until his arrival at Boston University where he held three positions simultaneously. He discusses the advantages of attending a black college and his children's choice to do the same. Flake then details his pastoral assignments in Boston and the decision to preach in New York. Reverend Flake reflects on his early years at the Greater Allen Cathedral and the changes made in the neighborhood. Lastly, Flake recalls his community urging him to run for a political office. Reverend Flake talks about his run for Congress despite not having any political experience, and the lifestyle adjustments he and his family had to make. Flake talks about his reluctance to run for office and his court battle after being left off the ballot. After winning the election in 1987, Flake recalls his experiences in the House of Representatives and what he did to help his constituency. Flake recounts being the subject of a legal investigation and the lessons he learned about being in the political spotlight. Reverend Flake recalls his dealings with the Congressional Black Caucus and how he made political decisions based on his personal beliefs. Reverend Flake discusses the purpose of the Congressional Black Caucus and how it compares with his political belief system. Flake then recalls the best accomplishments of his eleven-year career as a Congressman. Later he explains why he needed to return to the pulpit and oversee the building of Greater Allen Cathedral. Flake details his involvement with the Edison Charter Schools and the pros and cons of faith-based initiatives. Lastly, he discusses the role of the black church and its community, black identity and his definition of poverty. Reverend Flake continues to discuss the concept of poverty in the black community and reflects on the A.M.E. Church tradition. Lastly, Flake identifies the photographs he provided.

40 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)