1. How would you introduce yourself to someone you're meeting for the first time?
I would introduce myself as Taylor. I would ask them about themselves, and I’d make sure they knew I was a dog-person. I’d tell them that I have wonderful friends, a beautiful girlfriend, and ask them if they want to get coffee or do a dog thing some time.
2. What inspired you to become a Founding Member of The Mahogany Standard?
At the time that the first photo of black women in Sonoma County was released in the Press Democrat, I was struggling like the rest of us. I wondered where I belonged, who I was, and who I was going to be at a time where the rest of the world also seemed to be grappling with those questions. At the time that I lost my grandmother to cancer a few months ago, this group of black women was becoming, and I had just lost my main person. You’d be mistaken for thinking my grandmother was black, for she was white, and that blackness was always a part of my life that was missing. I kept looking around, even though I was supported by my grandmother, wondering where everyone who looked like me was. It was almost divine timing that when my grandmother passed, this group of black women was forming. I’m lucky to have found this community when I did, and feel inspired by my grandmother’s aptitude to create the safe community she did for me, a bi-racial grandchild, so much that it only feels right to honor myself and her by moving into a space surrounded by supportive loving black women.
3. What does meaningful community and connection look like to you?
To me, meaningful community and connection doesn’t look like signing up for every event, attending everything, and just being busy all the time. It looks like being surrounded by a cohort of women who allow you to show up as you are, when you can, and intentionally. It means community and connection does not look like a group of people with the same traits, characteristics, or interests, but it looks like forming connections through a sea of differences. In this case, we all happen to look similar, but we all bring unique parts of ourselves to shared spaces where we can feel safe.
4. What is bringing you joy in this season of your life?
In this season of my life, I’m finding joy in where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m going. It could be easy for me to say I'm finding absolutely no joy right now because this year has been a hell of a year, but I don’t want to dwell there. I want to look back, look at what’s in front of me, look at where I’m headed and bring these lessons, the love, those memories, the experiences with me. So that's my joy, and just this profound sense of gratitude for life!
5. What's something people might be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to learn that I enjoy sculling in a single row boat (a black woman on a boat, say what?!). I grew up in Humboldt County where at the age of 12 or so, my grandmother got me in a single scull and told me to just paddle. Now that I’m doing it as an adult, I’m learning more technique, where I get to lose myself in the rhythms of every stroke.
6. What's an experience, hobby, or adventure you'd love to explore?
My favorite hobby is starting hobbies, and right now I’m really interested in drumming, but ask me in a few months.. it’ll probably change.
7. What are you most looking forward to experiencing through The Mahogany Standard?
I’m most looking forward to experiencing my own blackness and the blackness of others
8. Just for fun: What does your perfect girls' day look like
Girl day? I love a Dog Day! (sorry, no people) I’d love to just lay in the grass with my dogs. Give them a bone, and share a snack next to them. I’d love to do this in the middle of nowhere. A simple day.
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