In the “Voices of a Generation” premiere, Clyde Forcer talks about life lessons learned and the importance of connections.

I have met many community elders of 60-plus-years holding a bottomless bucket of stories and life advice, and for this reason I present to you the series “Voices of a Generation”—which are wisdom filled conversations between Queenie and a special guest.

On a cool winter’s evening, I had the distinct pleasure of sitting with Clyde Forcer for a quick chat about his life and the lessons learned over his 61 years of living. Clyde strolled into the pub room with a jolly laugh and a warm smile on his face. It was at this moment that I knew this conversation would be a noteworthy “voice of a generation’s moment” and an opportunity to share space with a gentle giant.

Almost 5 years ago, Clyde and I met in Prince William County at an event that brought the community together to celebrate friendships. We didn’t talk much during this event, however; we did connect through social media, vowing to work together in the near future. Although it has taken many years for him and I to sit down and chat. We finally made it! 

“Welcome Mr. Forcer and thank you for joining me today”.

“Please call me Clyde and thank you. I am honored and delighted to sit down with the PW Perspective team. I am thankful that you asked me for an interview.”

“Growing up Clyde”

I take pleasure in asking the questions that cause the heart to speak. To know Clyde a bit better, we reflected on his childhood. Clyde grew up in a diverse community in Brooklyn, NY with his mom, dad and five siblings. He had an amazing childhood playing Etch-a-sketch and having fun with the neighborhood friends. Clyde was also a student athlete and enjoyed character role-playing to make others around him laugh and feel joy.

As a young man, his father noticed his veracious appetite and love for food. His dad would often tease him, calling him “termite.” His sisters understood that if they wanted to get rid of their food, just give it to Clyde. He will surely eat it. His appreciation of food did not stop here. In fact, it has grown over the years and Clyde is now known as the “President of the United Tastes of America.” 

He earned this name because of his love for cooking and indulging in good and tasty eats throughout America. Clyde and I both agreed that food is a way that many of us come together and connect. One summer Clyde invited the neighborhood “ice-cream” truck driver to his house for a backyard barbeque. He stopped in, parked his truck right beside my house, and the rest was history.

“You see! Food brings people together.” When Clyde is not cooking for his friends or others in the community, he is on the “campaign trail” looking for a new adventure (more specifically, looking for something new to eat). 

The Protest

Clyde believes in the important of having a seat at the table. If you don’t have a seat at the table, you are part of the menu. For this reason, you may find Clyde at a political table in Prince William County expressing concerns about the issues that impact our community, affect young adults and people of color. In May 2020, Clyde took part in one of the many social actions protest in response to the murder of George Floyd. Floyd was an African-American man who was brutally murdered by police officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. While some people watched the protest from their couch, social media or other news outlets, Clyde stood on the frontline taking part in a peaceful protest.

When asked how did he feel after George Floyd’s murder and about his participation in the local protests, Clyde stated, “I was angry! I was angry! But there is a way that you have to channel your anger, especially if you want your voice to be heard.” 

Clyde spoke extensively to a crowd of community leaders, citizens and the Prince William County Sheriff Department about bringing the community together.

When asked how he felt about this experience Clyde stated, “I felt a sense of accomplishment.” Clyde also was invited to speak with political leaders in Prince William County, while empathizing with numerous protestors and counter-protestors alike.

Finally, his journey led him to meeting with the Chief of Police of Prince William County, where he shared his thoughts regarding policing the community and building relationships between the citizens and the local police department. After seeing the impact that George Floyd’s death had on the world, I asked Clyde if he thought that enough was being done to address racial disparities and injustices in his community.

“No!” he stated, they (community leaders) attempted to address it but, No! Clyde added that there is also a need for his community elders (men) to pass the mantle to the younger generation, in their fight for social justice and equality. “

His final words proclaimed, “We [men] are not doing enough for future generations”. I feel that the men must become more proactive. Some of the men of my generation are waiting for others, instead of being proactive themselves. They have the experience and they should transfer that experience to the younger generation”.

The Importance of Mentorship

Without question, good mentorship is paramount in life. Both the mentee and the mentor benefit exponentially from the bonds of mentorship. It convinced Clyde that it is a great way to “be the difference” in the lives of others. When he was 15 years old, Clyde had a mentor and his mentor taught him several things about life, that he stills employs to this day.

“Odell Floyd was 15 years my senior, and his wisdom rained with so many nuggets about life. He taught me that there will always be people who will like you and dislike you for the same reason,”

Odell Floyd taught Clyde, that the opinion that he should value most, is the opinion that he had of himself! “The right mentorship gives you strength when you need it most. This is why it is important for my generation to do more for those coming behind us,”

“This is an obligation; it is not conditional”. As long as men of my generation don’t do their part, we are going to fail the future generations.”

I am fascinated by interesting people and their stories. Because of my fascination, I dare not end our conversation without asking Clyde a few questions that allow his heart to speak.

“What are the things that you are grateful for,” I asked. “I am grateful for people appreciating the man that I am. I really feel appreciated by others and that makes me feel special,” “Sometimes people can go all of their lives never feeling appreciated. When I talk to people and interact with them, I like to walk away feeling like I have left a positive impact.”

It is as if Clyde’s soul smiled once he shared his feelings about this. With a head nod in solidarity, we both agreed that appreciation can feel really good. Clyde is extremely proud of the relationships that he has built in Prince William County to include the beautiful relationship that he has with his spouse (Candace).

LOVE

I asked, “Clyde what is one of the best pieces of advice you’ve ever received?” After a long pause and rambling of thought, Clyde responded, “I will say that the best advice I’ve gotten was to continue to support my wife Candace. We have been married over 21 years and I wouldn’t trade my relationship in for a 57’ Chevy or a 62’ split window Corvette” (real talk). After a chuckle or two, we went on to share just how special Candace is to him.

At 61, Clyde believes that the most rewarding thing about growing older is doing so with the woman in his life who has his back. It is something when I come home and know that I am appreciated and truly loved. To this day, she and I still have so much fun together. Fun is the way that relationships are maintained and grow. You just have to work at it.” Clyde expressed how important it is for us all to have love, joy, support, and a sense of community in order to thrive. So what is it that the world needs more of?

Without hesitation Clyde responds, “LOVE. People need to be more compassionate towards others. Slow Down. Spend time with each other and just LOVE.”  

I am drawn to ask questions that provide a gaze into the living history and the thoughts of our elders with affection and LOVE. As Clyde continues to share, love is important to have and to give.

If you want to connect with Clyde Forcer on social media, he invites you to follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

https://www.facebook.com/clyde.forcer

https://www.facebook.com/PresidentoftheunitedtastesofAmerica

To see the full interview, check out part one and part two:

The “Voices of a Generation” are a gift. This gift must be passed from generation to generation. So, Stay Curious and Stay Open to the stories that are around you….for in these stories, life resides. To nominate yourself or a person in your life whom we should feature, email me at smclean@pwperspective.com.