When people ask me what success looks like in Woodlawn, I often point to the simple things—the everyday moments that might go unnoticed but speak volumes about how far we’ve come. Just last evening, I sat on my front porch, enjoying the cooling Alabama air, watching families stroll down our streets, children’s laughter echoing off the historic homes that line our neighborhood. These moments aren’t captured in statistics, but they tell our story better than any numbers could.
Yet, our community was recently reminded of how fragile safety can be with the tragic loss of Gerald Lomax, a young life taken far too soon. This heartbreaking event underscores why our mission to build a safer Woodlawn is more urgent than ever. It’s a stark reminder that safety isn’t just about lowering crime rates; it’s about ensuring that every resident—every child, parent, and neighbor—feels secure and supported.
As CEO of Woodlawn United, I’ve seen firsthand how far we’ve come. Through partnerships with the Woodlawn Business Association, Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, Alabama Power, and the Birmingham Police Department, we’ve made significant strides, achieving a 36% decrease in crime from 2021 to 2023. But the real success lies beyond these numbers.
It’s in the small victories: homes where residents feel secure enough to let natural light stream through their windows; children walking confidently to i3 Academy; and elderly neighbors who can once again tend their gardens in the evening hours. These are the quiet triumphs that define our community.
But we know safety can’t be achieved through technology or policing alone. It’s the result of a collective effort, with residents taking ownership of their neighborhood—whether that’s joining neighborhood watch programs, attending community meetings, or simply looking out for one another. This sense of shared responsibility has created an “ecosystem of security” that is foundational to our progress.
The recent $8 million CRISI Railroad Grant we secured is another important step. Improving hazardous railroad crossings isn’t just an infrastructure upgrade—it means safer routes for families, better connectivity, and enhanced emergency response times. All of these changes contribute to a Woodlawn where people feel safe, connected, and proud to call home.
Perhaps what makes me most proud is the return of front porch culture. In many urban areas, fear had driven people indoors, behind closed doors. But in Woodlawn, porches have become spaces for connection once again—places where neighbors chat, where children play, and where the rhythms of community life are embraced.
The recent tragedy reminds us that the journey to building a safe and vibrant community is ongoing. It’s not just about reducing crime; it’s about fostering a place where every child, senior, and family can thrive. That’s the Woodlawn we’re building—one front porch, one conversation, and one moment of community at a time.
– Mashonda S. Taylor, CEO of Woodlawn United
Mashonda S. Taylor is the CEO of Woodlawn United and a proud Woodlawn resident. Under her leadership, Woodlawn United continues to work towards its vision of a safe, vibrant community where everyone can contribute to the growth of Greater Birmingham.
Help Us Build a Safer Woodlawn Together Our commitment to a safer, thriving Woodlawn depends on the voices of those who call it home. By taking part in the Flourishing Neighborhood Index (FNI) survey, you’re helping us shape the future of our community with insights that matter. As a thank-you for your time, we’re offering a $50 gift card per household that participates. Join us in building a safer, more connected Woodlawn—one voice at a time. Click here to learn more.
This year’s dinner had an extra special touch, thanks to our partnership with REACH, a local event planning business. It all started with a conversation at last year’s dinner when I saw Greg Cole volunteering and said, “Next year, I want you to plan this.” What began as a casual comment became something real. As spring approached, Greg and I talked about his new business, REACH, and how I envisioned them leading the event. For years, my team at Woodlawn United managed the planning, but this time I wanted to step back and give a new local business the opportunity to take charge.
Greg, a proud WE Lead graduate, and his business partner, Brittany Hollis, took on the challenge with creativity and care, bringing their unique touches to make WSD even more special. It wasn’t until the day of the dinner that I fully realized what it meant—this was REACH’s first official event as a company, and I couldn’t have been prouder. By giving them the reins, we provided a platform for a local business to grow, while keeping the economic impact of the event within our own community. Their success is Woodlawn’s success—a true reflection of what’s possible when we support one another.
A huge thank you goes out to all those who made the evening possible.
Bayles Catering and Restaurant, Dirty Red Food Truck, Naughty But Nice Kettle Corn, and our beverage partners, Jazz on 55th and Redmont Vodka, ensured the night was filled with incredible food and drinks that brought our gathering to life. We’re also grateful to Sherri Brown and DJ Rahdu for providing the uplifting live music that set the perfect tone for the evening, and to the Woodlawn Theatre for their invaluable support in helping make the event a success.
Woodlawn Sunday Dinner may happen just once a year, but its impact reaches far beyond that day. It sparks community projects, supports local businesses, and inspires more residents to engage in neighborhood initiatives. Though the dinner lasts only a few hours, the pride and connection it fosters continue throughout the year.
The success of WSD reflects the power of community, and with the support of our donors, we’ll keep building on this tradition. I’m also deeply grateful to Greg and Brittany for bringing this vision to life with such care. Their work made this year’s WSD a success, and I’m filled with optimism for what we’ll achieve together in the years to come. Here in Woodlawn, we’re not just building events—we’re building a place, one Sunday dinner at a time.