Matthew Taylor grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn in the 1960’s. Being the hard worker that he is, he began working in construction at the age of 13 years old. He went on to graduate from John Jay High School and pursued a BA in Business Administration and Computer Science, which he received in 1975 from Borough Hall Academy, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
By the time he had graduated college, Mr. Taylor’s father, Matthew “Marty” Taylor, Sr., had built a tiny construction company, Afro Carting, Inc., into one of the largest minority owned companies in the 1970’s. The company that this father and son team had built was and continues to be the source of jobs and a beacon to many minorities in the community who could not find gainful employment elsewhere.
Mr. Taylor continues his community activism today, and has received numerous Awards in recognition of his community service. Mr. Taylor has many of the specialized credentials required for participation in the construction industry (i.e. OSHA 30, Site Safety Manager, Property Manager, etc.) to name a few. Mr. Taylor is also an active member of the “700 Strong” Organization and represents the Brooklyn Chapter. Mr. Taylor’s Statewide and local involvement in many Campaigns involving the Rights of People, exhibits his commitment to progressive change for gainful participation in fair employment, fair housing, economic disadvantages and affordable healthcare for all people.
Mr. Taylor’s advocacy in the Human and Civil Rights arena has garnered him numerous personal Honors and Awards of Recognition from various United States Congressional, New York State Assembly, New York City Council Members in addition to many Private & Civic groups over the decades. Mr. Taylor’s personal sacrifices and crusades to bolster social justice, civic pride, community organizing, economic empowerment and advancement is proof of his sacrifice and commitment.
Mr. Taylor being a man of strong character and a staunch supporter advocating for people in the Grassroots community, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Section #3 Workforce Development for New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) continues his father’s legacy to empower members of the community for future economic advancement in the Public Housing Development (PHD) arena which rely on his active involvement.
