What’s your name, pronouns, and title?
Hi! I’m Zakiyaa Taylor, and I just joined the Water Hub as the Communications Manager. Hailing proudly from the Southern United States, I use she/her/y’all pronouns.
Where do you call home?
There are a few places that are home to me. I was born in Louisville, Kentucky, but raised primarily in a small town right on the Virginia-North Carolina border. Currently, I reside in Greensboro, North Carolina, home to my alma mater, North Carolina A&T. Aggie Pride!
What brought you to this work and why does water matter to you?
The work that I do is about honoring and nourishing those that nourished me. Growing up, my friends were the trees and creeks just as much as the people in my community. In the same way that Earth has poured into me, I do my best to make sure that my work pours back into the Earth.
What would the world be better with more of?
I think that the world would be better off with more silliness. Goofiness as praxis! Laughter and joy are a balm that can never be too abundant.
What did you do before you came to the Water Hub?
Previously, I worked for a nonprofit that centered multiracial, working-class rural people and helped them build political power on a local, state, and national level. We worked alongside the members of the community who were most deeply affected by changes made to their communities without their input, and we supported community members who went on to run in their own local and state elections. People power to the fullest!
Where’s your happy place?
Anywhere that my little brother is! I’m 28 while he’s 9, so he keeps me young! He’s taught me so much about joy and love.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten was from my mother. She always taught me that I should use my head and my heart at the same time, and that anything worth doing wouldn’t ask me to choose between the two. I carry that with me every day.
We’d never guess that you…?
Ha! I make a valiant attempt to produce house music. Is the music good? Debatable. My computer is full of trash beats and half-baked jams. We’ll see where that goes in the next few months!
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