COVER STORY

The Cleveland Chapter of the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Inc. has been doing great things in Cleveland. While Real Men Magazine has focused on Economic Empowerment for this edition, it was a perfect time. Economic independence can change people’s lives, as they are no longer dependent on someone else, usually a male, to provide their food, a roof over their heads, or clothing. This empowerment allows individuals more agency over their lives and increases their happiness, productivity, and life satisfaction in moving to the next level; we were fortunate to gain the expertise of Brooklyn, New York—native David L. Taylor. Recently named the Economic Empowerment Chair, he has hit the ground running. We wanted many of you to learn more about this outstanding young man, so we took some time to interview him.

Taylor is the Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff for Treasury Services at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. His responsibilities at the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland include advising and supporting senior leadership on department strategy, executive communication, cross-functional team alignment, and stakeholder management.

He joined the organization in 2012 as a business systems analyst. In his most recent prior role, he led the Transition Management team for the Cash Product Office’s National Cash Automation business group. He also played a crucial role in Federal Reserve System initiatives.

He participates in the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Executive Sponsorship and Bank Mentorship programs. He is a Strengthening Talented African American Resources (STAAR) resource network group member. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt and project management professional (PMP).

Coming into the Cleveland Chapter, he was in a class of 2i other candidates looking to make a difference with our mentees and give back to the Greater Cleveland area.

“While I was aware of the 100 Black Men based in Atlanta, I learned about the 100 Black

Men Greater Cleveland Inc chapter from my coworker Alfie Chatman-Walter. She knew my passion for and desired to do more communityrelated work and thought I would be an excellent addition to the organization,” said Taylor.

RM: How do you feel about giving back to youth and the community?

I’ve been surrounded by examples of strength and success built from the community. From my family, childhood neighborhood, fraternity (Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.), and college, contributing to my community allowed me to represent something larger than myself and see the immediate positive impacts. Giving back to youth is a way to pay it forward and continue diversifying my thoughts by hearing their stories.

RM: Do you have any hobbies, or do you like sports? Whos your favorite team?

My hobbies include working out, playing sports, listening to music, and traveling. I remain a loyal New York fan of the New York Giants, New York

Knicks, and New York Yankees. I also root for the Brooklyn Nets (it’s only sometimes a borough gets its’ team!).

RM: Being named the new economic chair, what are your plans to help elevate the 100 Black Men Greater Cleveland Chapter in this area?

I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve as the Economic Empowerment Chair for the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc. One of my main plans for the year is to demystify the role of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland for the membership and the community. Additionally, I’m looking to provide various learning opportunities around financial literacy to achieve excellent financial stability and wealth generation amongst all participants.

The Cleveland Chapter is also excited to have Taylor in the chapter and chair this committee. He holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science with a minor in mathematics from Morehouse College. His mother is retired and continues to reside in New York City. My fiancé is a Cleveland native, food scientist, and trained chef, and she runs her organization focused on food and nutrition literacy in the Cleveland area.