Meet Christopher Taylor

Greetings, Winston-Salem!

My name is Christopher Taylor, and I am honored to be a candidate for the East Ward City Council seat representing our community. As someone deeply rooted in the history and strength of the black community, I am passionate about uplifting and empowering our neighborhoods.

I was Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, a city still grappling with the aftermath of the tragic Wilmington Massacre of 1898, along with other setbacks faced by the black community. As a teenager, I moved to Winston-Salem and attended Winston Salem State University, where I pursued a double major in Political Science and Psychology. It was during my time at WSSU that I fell in love with the rich black heritage of Winston-Salem and witnessed the impact that its citizens, including WSSU students and alumni, have had on its development. 

My academic pursuits, furthered with a Masters Degree from Salem College, were driven by a desire to understand the challenges that have plagued the collective Black American experience and advocate for policy changes that would uplift us from poverty and other systemic issues. This led me to a stint in local government, followed by a decade in education, and now grass roots community development work. Throughout my journey, I have remained actively engaged with the community in various capacities.

Currently, I serve as the Equitable and Economic Engagement Coordinator at Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods, where I have a footprint in over 20 different neighborhoods all over Winston-Salem. This experience has further exposed me to the diverse range of issues that affect our city. I am running for City Council because I firmly believe that we need a change in our community, and we need a council member who intimately understands the challenges faced by all residents of East Winston and Winston-Salem overall, including our youth! I bring the energy, skills, and dedication required to address these issues effectively.

In addition to my work with Neighbors for Better Neighborhoods, I have been actively involved in local and national politics, starting with my experience as a Political Organizer with President Obama's campaign in both of his Presidential Elections. I have worked with many state and local officials and candidates in various capacities as well. I organized with our State and County NAACP chapters in 2014 to fight against restrictive voting laws, in addition to other legislation that harmed the least of us. I also worked with the City of Winston Salem as an intern with the Weatherization Program, in that capacity I learned much about energy efficiency and how unweatherized homes harmed poor people the most.

For a decade I served our students as a tutor then teacher at both Carter G. Woodson School of Excellence and historically black George Washington “Carver” High School, in addition to Petree Elementary School.

I am also a Senior Partner with Dudley Hair Care Products, and a student of Mr. Joe L. Dudley Sr., where I enhance my understanding of business by running a distributorship, recruit and train cosmetologist, and develop seminars that promote business growth within the sector.

What I am most proud of in my life is being a husband and father in a healthy and loving relationship. My family is my foundation, and I strive to create a better future for them, and for all families in our community.

My goals are aligned with uplifting our people, and creating a positive impact, and it is my continued commitment to helping the least of us that drives me.

In conclusion, I am a dedicated leader, educator, and problem-solver with a passion for community advocacy. With my experience in organizational leadership, entrepreneurship,  project management, and community engagement, I am confident in my ability to make a positive impact as our City Council representative. I am committed to listening to your concerns, addressing the issues that affect us all, and creating a brighter future for the East Ward and Winston-Salem as a whole.

Thank you for your consideration, and I humbly ask for your support and vote in the upcoming election.

Sincerely,

Christopher Taylor

Candidate for East Ward City Council