Hope Honors a Visionary Leader
The city of Hope, Arkansas, is mourning the loss of Floyd Young Jr., a man whose leadership and dedication left a lasting mark. Serving as the town’s first Black mayor from 1983 to 1986, Young helped guide Hope toward a more unified and forward-looking community.
City officials announced his passing on October 20, 2025, calling his impact “immeasurable.” Beyond City Hall, Young built a reputation as a tireless advocate for education, counseling, and public service. His lifelong commitment to helping others shaped both local institutions and individual lives.
“I really consider it a privilege to be of more service to this community,” Young once said—a statement that perfectly reflected his character and purpose.
A Trailblazer in Public Service and Education
Before and after his time as mayor, Floyd Young Jr. served the people of Arkansas through education and mentorship. He began his career as a classroom teacher at Carver High School and Lincoln High School before becoming a counselor and educational leader.
He later served as assistant director of counseling at Red River Vocational Technical School and played a key role in its transformation into the University of Arkansas Community College. His leadership as vice chancellor for student services at the college ensured that local students had the guidance and support needed to succeed.
Young also worked as a guidance specialist for the Arkansas Department of Education and as a licensed professional therapist. His focus on counseling and mentorship helped generations of Arkansans find direction and opportunity.
Building Community Through Service and Leadership
Floyd Young’s impact extended far beyond classrooms and offices. He served on the boards of several key organizations, including the Hope Chamber of Commerce, Medical Park Hospital, and the Hope Parks and Tourism Commission. He was also president of the Hope Kiwanis Club, where he helped develop community programs and scholarships.
Through his involvement with the Arkansas Counseling Association and the American Vocational Association, Young championed mental health awareness and professional development across the state. He also served as chairman of the Arkansas Counseling Board of Examiners and president of the Arkansas School Counselors Association.
Colleagues remember him as someone who led with both heart and intellect—someone who built bridges where others saw boundaries. His leadership style focused on compassion, inclusion, and community growth.
A Legacy Rooted in Education and Faith
A native of Blevins, Arkansas, Floyd Young graduated from Blevins Training School in 1957. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Arkansas AM&N College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in 1961 and his Master’s in Guidance and Counseling from Henderson State University in 1966. He also completed graduate studies through the National Science Foundation at Texas Southern University.
His dedication to learning shaped his lifelong mission: expanding educational access for others. His service as trustee of the Earl Collins Foundation Scholarship of Kiwanis International and chair of the Neva Carmichael Scholarship Committee reflected that passion.
Floyd Young Jr.’s life was guided by his faith and his belief in service. Funeral services will be held on October 26 at Rising Star Baptist Church in Hope, where the community will gather to celebrate the man who spent decades shaping their future.
