The Truth Staff
Floyd Rose, who distinguished himself during his 36-year stay in Toledo for his work in the civil rights struggle and the various fights for fairness and justice, returned to his adopted hometown during the Father’s Day weekend to engage with a few of his local acquaintances and colleagues.
During a gathering at the Center of Hope Community Baptist Church on June 15, Saturday afternoon, Rev. Donald Perryman, PhD, introduced Rose and spoke of his contributions to the community years ago.
“[We want] to reflect on this great man’s legacy in the area of civil rights and justice,” said Perryman. “And on his enduring commitment to justice in pursuit of equity and fairness and his leadership that was unwavering and profound.”
Former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner also extolled the work that Rose did during his time in Toledo.
“Floyd was a strong advocate for recognizing we had problems as a city and wanting to get at those problems,” said Finkbeiner.
Referencing a study by LendingTree last summer that found that of the 100 most populous metropolitan areas, the African American population in Toledo ranked at the very bottom of the 100 in terms of economic wellbeing, Finkbeiner noted: “This gentleman would not have stood still for one moment if he looked at these numbers – he’d be asking questions of every influential person in the city … he was always striving to lift up, lift up, lift up those whom the world has been less fair to.”
“I spent 36 years in Toledo trying to build the bridge mainly for the young people,” said Rose addressing the small gathering. “I hope that somehow they’ll find a way to cross that bridge – with love and with commitment to God and to themselves.”
Referring to his efforts to work collaboratively, Rose said: “I never got anything done in Toledo by myself and for myself, but it was done for the people and done by the people. People should be credited for getting it done.”
“How do I start? With what kind of messaging?” Rose was asked by one of the attendees.
The answer! First, reflect and meditate and work with God to seek direction. Second, find those who have similar goals and find out how collaboration can be utilized to reach those goals.
Adding to those thoughts about how Rose achieved so much, Rev. Perryman noted that Rose always preferred dialogue to resolve problems but he was never afraid of confrontation in order to bring the issues to the greater public’s attention.
“You can’t make change unless you get on the agenda,” said Perryman on the lesson Rose has taught to those who have so eagerly collaborated with him in his mission to bring about change.
