ICADV is honoring some amazing individuals in our field working to eliminate violence. Floyd Keith, Senior Director for Race and Social Justice at YWCA Greater Lafayette, was nominated by members of our staff. Learn more about Floyd in this Q&A.
Q. What would people generations from now say about your contribution to the betterment of Black African American folks?
A. I hope that when people speak of me regarding my advocacy and social justice efforts, they will be able to say I stood for justice and never blocked it’s path.
Q. What are you most proud of about your career/life?
A. Having a professional career that spans five decades in athletics; social justice; advocacy and inclusion. Married to my best friend and love of my life, Dr. Nicole R. Keith; while realizing the birth of four beautiful and talented children: Kenyari 28,ani 26, Mikia 22 and Kailan 19.
Q. Who were your heroes of your life?
A. Mohammad Ali; Dr. Richard Lapchick (who is the Godfather of our son, Kailan Keith); Tony Dungy; Thurgood Marshall
Q. What has been your biggest inspiration?
A. “Planned Positive Attitude” by Floyd A. Keith
- Utilizing your powerful imagination
- Building a dynamic game plan of achievement
- Establishing a projected plan of positive goals
- Taking aggressive and persistent action
- Controlling your mind and mastering your emotions
- Self-motivation will inspire and motivate others
- Success and achieving will become a habit in everything you do
Q. What barriers have you overcome?
A. Bias and systemic racism related to being a person of color
Q. How did the social climate affect the level of success that you achieved.
A. I refused to set any limitations upon my ambitions throughout my personal or professional career. I made the effort to view the glass as half full, not half empty.
Q. Who has served as an inspiration in your life?
A. Mohammad Ali; Barack Obama; Rosa Parks; Dr. NiCole Keith (my wife)
Q. What does Black History Month mean to you?
A. Black History Month means honoring those who paved the way for others to experience a better life and more equitable opportunities to purse the full benefits society has to offer.
Q. What challenges did you overcome along your journey?
A. Every challenge related to being an individual of color from the 60s and beyond.
Q. What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
A. Follow Planned Positive Attitude.
Q. What is one thing that you’d like folks to do to honor Black history?
A. Never forget those who came before you to open the doors of opportunity.
