Through difficult and, at times, unpopular decisions—prioritizing long-term impact over short-term comfort, shifting resources to ensure sustainability, and challenging the status quo to create meaningful change—I’ve seen the power of staying the course reflected in:
- $60M+ in investments fueling housing, economic growth, and infrastructure
- Expanding service reach from 5,000 to 8,000 residents
- Growing homeownership from 18% to 28%, creating pathways for generational stability
- 20+ new businesses launched, strengthening the local economy
- Achieving a 36% reduction in crime through holistic public safety efforts
- 40+ emerging leaders trained through the WE Lead Fellowship, many of whom are now driving change as community connectors, organizational leaders, and advocates for progress
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.
Hey Woodlawn Family! We’re excited to share some inspiring work happening right here in our neighborhood. On November 2nd, our team joined forces with volunteers from Wells Fargo for a day dedicated to revitalizing a local home in Woodlawn. This project, part of Wells Fargo’s Welcome Home initiative, brought together our staff, volunteers, and neighbors to tackle fresh landscaping, essential repairs, and breathe new life into a cherished space. This is about more than just one home—it’s a step toward a brighter, more vibrant community.
And this is just the beginning! Thanks to an $80,000 Welcome Home grant from Wells Fargo, we’re embarking on a month-long journey of transformation, aligned with Woodlawn United’s mission to build a sustainable, supportive environment for all residents. This grant allows us to expand our work, making impactful improvements that strengthen our community and bring lasting stability to Woodlawn. Each brush stroke, every nail hammered, is an investment in our future—a future shaped by collaboration and shared purpose.
Stay tuned, Woodlawn! As this journey unfolds, we’re excited to reveal the final transformation and celebrate the resilience and unity of our community. Together, we’re building a brighter, stronger Woodlawn—one home, one family, and one step at a time.