During Women’s History Month, Donna Baugham-Perry, Individual Giving Manager at Habitat NYC and Westchester, connected with Dr. Erica Taylor, the first African American principal of Baldwin Middle School in Long Island, who was raised in a Habitat home. As we prepare to relaunch our Women Build initiative for 2024, we’re excited to share their conversation about life, legacy, and how Dr. Taylor’s upbringing in a Habitat home influenced her journey.
Donna: Dr. Taylor, could you share with us some of your earliest memories of living in a Habitat home and how those experiences shaped your childhood?
Dr. Taylor: One of my earliest memories of living in a Habitat home was waking up on our first Thanksgiving in the house and being thankful. My mother, a woman of unwavering faith, had prayed countless prayers, pleading with God to bless her with a home for her children—a place we could truly call our own. The realization struck me that God had answered our prayers. It was a moment that went beyond the material. Waking up on Thanksgiving with the warmth of a roof over our heads, the scent of a home-cooked meal in the air, it was more than just a house. It was a symbol of hope, of dreams fulfilled against all odds. As a young girl from the projects, this realization changed my perspective entirely. I understood that nothing was out of my reach.
Donna: How did the sense of community in your neighborhood influence your perspective on community engagement and support?
Dr. Taylor: When we first moved into the neighborhood, it lacked the familiar sense of community that many crave. My house stood across from a vacant lot, and next door was a new immigrant family navigating their own journey. It was a place that lacked cohesion, but my family was determined to change that. We reached out to our new neighbors, forging connections that would later become the foundation of a thriving community. We didn’t just coexist.
The vacant lot across the street, a symbol of neglect and desolation, became a canvas for our aspirations. Over the years, my family took it upon us to advocate for change. We wrote letters to the town, attended community meetings, and passionately voiced our vision for a space that could bring people together. And, against the odds, the Yes We Can Community Center emerged from what was once a desolate lot.
My family became catalysts for change, demonstrating the importance of community and the power of building up an area that was once overlooked. Our journey taught us that a sense of belonging is not just found; sometimes, you must actively create it.
Donna: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced growing up in an urban African American community, and how did you overcome them?
Dr. Taylor: Before the blessing of a Habitat home, my family resided in a rent-controlled housing development. In that environment, one of the most significant hurdles I faced was navigating the negative influences of my peers and the detrimental behaviors exhibited by the adults around me. While my peers succumbed to the harsh realities of our environment, I clung to my dreams. The ability to dream, to believe in a life beyond the confines of my circumstances, became my anchor. It was not just a desire for success; it was a determination to escape the cycle that gripped so many around me. It fueled my resolve to stay focused on my goals, to resist the temptations that surrounded me, and to believe that I could create a different narrative for my life.
Donna: Were there any role models or mentors in your community who inspired you or played a pivotal role in your journey towards attaining a Doctor of Education?
Dr. Taylor: My mother, a beacon of strength and faith, served as my unwavering source of inspiration and resilience. Her words, echoing in our home like a mantra, were a testament to the values she instilled in her children. “You don’t have to look like what you are going through,” she would say. It was a lesson that transcended appearances; it was about embodying a mindset that refused to succumb to the limitations imposed by circumstances.
Aunt Selma, my godmother, emerged as another formidable role model. Aunt Selma defied the odds to become a successful lead paralegal, overseeing all paralegals in the DA’s office. Her efforts to expose me to African American judges were intended to inspire me to think big and work hard. But she, herself, would become my primary inspiration. Her mastery of the “art of influence” left a permanent mark on me, shaping my aspirations and instilling in me the belief that, like her, I could wield confidence and power in any room.
Together, my mother and Aunt Selma became the pillars of strength and inspiration that propelled me forward, reinforcing the idea that my background did not define my potential. Their wisdom and examples fueled my journey, teaching me not only to overcome challenges but to aspire to greatness, to reach for the stars while standing firmly grounded in the values that shaped my upbringing.
Donna: How did your upbringing in a Habitat home impact your educational aspirations and achievements?
Dr. Taylor: Growing up in a Habitat home provided a haven where I could redirect my focus from concerns about safety and the turmoil of the “block.” No longer burdened by the unsettling backdrop of violence and substance abuse, I found the space to concentrate on my studies and cultivate my aspirations. It was a sanctuary where I could breathe freely and dream without the weight of my surroundings pressing down on me. The newfound stability not only allowed me to dream but, more importantly, to “do”. I could see my path clearly and engage in the meaningful work that would shape my destiny. The Habitat home became more than just a place to live; it was the foundation upon which I built the life I had always envisioned for myself.
Donna: In what ways has your cultural identity as an African American influenced your career path and professional choices?
Dr. Taylor: As an African American woman, I ventured into the field of education with a clear mission: to be the change I wished to see for our youth, particularly those in underserved communities. Despite graduating at the age of sixteen, I felt unprepared for higher education. I had been educated just enough to make it into college, but not nearly enough to compete on an equal footing in the broader world.
I recognized my calling as a change agent. My purpose was not merely to excel personally but to uplift and empower others. I endeavored to lead by example and amplify the voices of our children. Through my academic pursuits, I sought to create a ripple effect, inspiring others to believe in the transformative power of education and the possibility of a brighter future for every child, regardless of their background.
Donna: How did growing up in a Habitat home shape your conviction about the importance of giving back to the community?
Dr. Taylor: The feeling I experienced on that Thanksgiving Day, waking up in a Habitat home, has fueled my passion to share that sense of gratitude and abundance with others. If just one person could feel what I felt, my heart would be full. I’ve been involved in building a Habitat home for a special family. I’ve organized and participated in numerous community initiatives, including toy drives during Christmas, winter giveback drives to collect essentials for the homeless, and cooking and feeding families at the Ronald McDonald home. Additionally, I’ve raised funds and participated in walks for AIDS and Cancer cures.
Donna: How do you think societal perceptions of Habitat homes and urban African American communities differ from the reality?
Dr. Taylor: There’s a prevalent misconception that a Habitat home is simply “given” to families, which could not be further from the truth. The process involves a meticulous selection procedure, and families actively contribute to the building process. I still vividly remember the days of painting, and nailing baseboards—every nail driven, every stroke of paint, adding an additional layer of pride to the home I helped build.
However, the journey does not end with the completion of the house. Families bear the responsibility of keeping up with mortgage payments, addressing structural issues, and replacing essential components like boilers. The burden of homeownership, including both financial and maintenance aspects, becomes a significant part of their reality once they sign for the home. To empower Habitat families for long-term success, there is a pressing need for comprehensive homeownership courses. Equipping families with the knowledge and skills to manage their homes responsibly ensures a more sustainable and thriving Habitat community.
Donna: In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing urban African American communities today, and how can they be addressed?
Dr. Taylor: Fear of success. “What if it doesn’t work out?”, “What if I don’t get the backing?” or “What if I don’t pass the test?” We can address these fears by teaching the importance of challenging this mindset, urging the community to envision the possibilities. I encourage my mentees and children not to be afraid of rejection or setbacks. This philosophy is centered on the concept of “yet”—the acknowledgment that skills or structures may not be in place at the moment, but with perseverance and effort, they can be developed. The African American community must overcome fear and embrace the journey towards success with determination and confidence.
Donna: Looking forward, what are your aspirations for the future, both personally and in terms of your impact on the community?
Dr. Taylor: My mission is clear—to grow people. I firmly believe that a leader’s true success lies in the number of lives that flourish under their stewardship. In my role as a community supporter, I want to continue to give back to the homeless, advocate for cures, and collaborate with organizations like Habitat to secure homes for families. In future, I aspire to become a motivational speaker and author! Overall, I want to leave a legacy of growth, compassion, empowerment and resilience for my children and all those who come behind me.
