On behalf of the members of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies (IAOHRA), I would like to express our deepest sympathies for the passing of our brother and friend, "The Dean of Civil Rights," Homer C. Floyd. His unwavering dedication to the principles of human rights, equality, and justice has left an indelible mark on our member agencies and the communities we serve. As a human rights professional leadership organization representing state and local government agencies, IAOHRA shares his commitment by serving nearly 250 million people. Our agency members work to enforce human rights laws and prevent discrimination, bias, and hate.

 

As a human rights champion, Mr. Floyd led our member agency as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission with honor from 1970 to 2011. He consistently supported IAOHRA throughout his distinguished tenure and held the leadership position of IAOHRA Treasurer with integrity, selflessness, and an untiring, unrelenting commitment to public service and our membership. ​

 

Our esteemed leadership wishes to honor the memory of our late brother, Homer C. Floyd, with the following reflections from our current and past IAOHRA Presidents:

 

Congressman James E. Clyburn, South Carolina (1985 – 1987), and the IAOHRA Honorary Advisory Board

"We have lost a stalwart of the Civil Rights Movement. In so many ways, Homer Floyd’s life was exceptional. As head of the Kansas Commission on Civil Rights, he shared a stage with Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 19, 1968, for King’s final speech to college students. When King was assassinated less than three months later, his suit pocket contained notes of people he acknowledged during that speech, including Homer. He graced public service with a revolutionary kind of heart and gave himself fully to the cause of freedom and justice. His legacy remains strong in the movements he helped build and sustain, and I counted him among my great friends and supporters. My prayers are with Homer’s family and loved ones.”

 

Beverly L. Watts, Kentucky/Tennessee (1999 – 2003)

"Homer Floyd was the "North Star" of official human rights agencies in our country. He provided light and clarity to those in this profession. He provided his guidance and thoughts on civil rights policy, enforcement and community engagement at the local, state and federal levels, shaping policy at all those levels.  He was always willing to nurture me and others about how to be steadfast so our agencies could achieve success for those persons seeking assistance. He was always gentle and kind to everyone. The PA Human Relations Commission stands as a legacy to his dedication to civil rights enforcement.  It was my privilege to call him a friend and to serve with him on the IAOHRA board for many years." 

 

James L. Stowe- Maryland (2003 – 2007)

 “A phone call from a man I did not know to wish me well as the new Director of the North Carolina Human Relations Commission in 1987, and well into his retirement. Homer Floyd has been a treasured colleague, consummate professional, wise counselor, and friend. His service to the profession and to the work of IAOHRA was exemplary, trusted, and held in the highest regard. One of our soldiers for justice can now study war no more. Homer, thank you my friend and mentor, for the example. Rest now in the glory of His love.”

 

Leon L. Russell, Florida (2007 – 2011) Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, and the IAOHRA Honorary Advisory Board

“I became a Civil Rights professional in early 1974 when I went to work at the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights.  I was fortunate to enter the field at a time when I would meet and ultimately be mentored by several folks whom I consider Civil Rights enforcement heroes. Homer Floyd is at the top of that list. He was a model agency head, legislative strategist and enforcement pioneer. Luckily, Homer was also a great believer in the importance of statutory agencies working together to create a real system of advocacy and agency for the people protected by our laws. His leadership in IAOHRA was always intentional and aimed at making our agencies stronger. His financial leadership as the longtime Treasurer was invaluable. We were blessed to serve with Homer Floyd as leaders of IAOHRA.”

 

Jean M. Kelleher, Virginia (2012 – 2017)

“His passing is a tremendous loss for civil rights in the US and for those of us in IAOHRA leadership who have followed in his footsteps.  What a fine gentleman, and a smart, diplomatic, generous and humble servant-leader he was!”

 

Robin Toma, California (2017 – 2022)

“I feel fortunate to have known Homer Floyd personally, when I was elected to the Board of IAOHRA when Homer was serving his last few of many years.  So I know how indebted IAOHRA and I are for his decades of leadership with IAOHRA, and with his own agency.  In particular, Homer’s service to IAOHRA for many years as Treasurer was crucial to our organizational health and wellbeing, a tremendous contribution of time, effort and expertise, for which the millions of people served by IAOHRA member agencies should feel the deepest gratitude.”

 

Dr. Alisa Warren, Missouri (2022 – Present)

“I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Floyd in 2010, just as he was concluding his professional journey in human rights and at the beginning of my service with the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies. As he passed the torch, I witnessed a rare blend of humility, honesty, integrity, and commitment to servant leadership. I stand on his shoulders as a guiding example, like the ‘North Star’, for human rights leadership in our nation and around the world. He served the people extraordinarily well, demonstrating a passionate commitment to protecting the civil rights of all individuals, promoting equal opportunity, and making our nation more just, fair, and equitable.”

 

On behalf of the next generation of human rights leaders, IAOHRA and our member organizations, I extend heartfelt condolences to his son Jeff, his daughter Cheryl, the Floyd family, and all those who hold his memory dear. We honor his extraordinary legacy and pledge to renew our efforts to advance human rights for all people.

 

Our Deepest Sympathy,


Alisa Warren, Ph.D.
IAOHRA President