Remembering Dr. Taylor

The late Rev. Dr. Julian A. Taylor was among the legendary people remembered at the Annual Black History Program, presented by the Tinney Center Angels Thursday.

More than 50 people attended the event at the Tinney Center on Olson Drive. It had been rescheduled due to winter weather.

Young people at the event were reminded of leaders such as Taylor, who was the pastor of the Macedonia Baptist Church for 42 years. He died in 1981 at the age of 79. 

His legacy live on in the form of an annual Ansonia High School scholarship.

Elezena Anderson, of Ansonia, a committee member for the scholarship fund, said that 27 students have been awarded the scholarship since the fund began.

Naomi Wallace, director of the Tinney Center, spoke of how Dr. Taylor was a scholar, teacher, civil rights leader and community activist.

Julias Douglas, of Ansonia, spoke of how Dr. Taylor influenced his life.

He was an inspiration to all of us. He was the chief reason I continued to go on to school. There are a few more here that he influenced that way too.”

About eight children spoke at the annual event, including twins Marquasia and Marcus Pearson, sixth grade students in Prendergast School. Their mother, Lisachante Dinkins, was proud of her children and of the impact that the Black History Program has on young people.

I think this is really good for the kids and keeps them motivated and looking forward to the future,” Dinkins said.

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