Listen to Sally’s story here

Celebrating Sally Mackin during Women’s History Month

Today, we are honoring Sally Mackin for her foundational role in co-creating Woodlawn United. As the organization’s founding executive director, Sally helped bring together residents and community partners to build trust, shape a shared vision, and lay the groundwork for the collaborative work that continues today.

At a time when the future of Woodlawn United was still being imagined, Sally stepped in not with answers, but with humility and a commitment to listen. She had spent years in business and finance, but felt called to more purpose-driven work. That calling led her to Purpose Built Communities, and eventually to a meeting with Mike and Gillian Goodrich—where the early seeds of Woodlawn United began to take root.

From the beginning, Sally understood that true change wouldn’t come from top-down planning, but through building relationships—with residents, leaders, and the women who had long shaped the neighborhood. She and the team spent more than two years in conversation with residents before any physical changes began. Those early relationships shaped everything that followed.

Sally was also clear-eyed about the complexity of her role. “I mean, clearly, I’m a white woman coming into a predominantly Black neighborhood saying that we want to change it,” she said. “You boil it down, and that’s what we’re doing. Our hearts were in the right place. We wanted to make the changes that would benefit and uplift the community. We wanted to do it differently than it had been done before. We wanted to include the residents. We wanted to empower the community to do what it wanted to do to better itself. But still, that narrative had been written and implemented so many times, and there was mistrust—rightfully so.”

“Building that trust was the most rewarding and beneficial part of the work because there was no shortcut.”

One of Sally’s greatest contributions was helping unify different organizations under a single, community-centered narrative. “Each group had their own story,” she said. “We came together to write a new one—together.” It was not easy work, but it was necessary. The women of Woodlawn, in particular, were central to shaping that story. Their questions, stories, and expectations helped keep the work grounded.

“The strongest pieces of that tapestry were the women in the community,” Sally shared.
“We’ve lost several of them over the years. But the stories they held and told are what made up that community. Anytime we wanted to do something to uplift or improve the neighborhood, that’s where you went. You go to the women, the leaders in that neighborhood.”

Their wisdom and presence helped guide every decision, and their trust was earned through time and consistency. Sally often described them as the strong fabric you reach for when mending something worn—the durable thread that held the neighborhood together, even in difficult seasons.

Looking back on her leadership, Sally reflected, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint. The work is hard and sometimes lonely, but if you stay committed, it changes you. And it changes everything.”

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor Sally Mackin not just for her role in the beginning, but for how she chose to lead—with openness, deep listening, and a commitment to community voice. The path she helped pave made space for others to lead and for the work to continue forward with care, vision, and unity.

In Woodlawn, the heartbeat of the community has always been its women—the mothers, sisters, neighbors, and leaders who show up not only during celebrations, but in the everyday work of care. These are the women who hold families together, check on neighbors, decorate for holidays, and serve food with love. One of those women was Ms. Merchant.

A true matriarch, Ms. Merchant served as vice president of the Oak Ridge Park Neighborhood Association and president of the Harris Homes Resident Council. Her leadership was steady, hands-on, and rooted in pride. “She was always serving,” one neighbor recalled. “Always cooking, always making sure young women took pride in their community, and felt like where they lived mattered.”

She believed beauty and dignity should be part of everyday life, no matter your zip code. One of her most remembered sayings was, “It ain’t where you live, and you don’t have to have a whole lot of money. Just take pride in where you live and show concern for your community.” Whether organizing clean-up days or adding festive touches to porches, she helped others feel proud of their surroundings.

Decorating was one of the many ways she expressed care. At Harris Homes, she brought each season to life with lights, garland, and themed trees. These displays weren’t just decorations—they were reminders that everyone deserves to celebrate where they live.

At Oliver Elementary, where her grandchildren attended, Ms. Merchant was more than a familiar face. She volunteered at events, brought dresses for Black History Month programs, and made sure families knew when to join their children for Thanksgiving meals. When the fifth-grade class didn’t have white outfits for graduation, she gathered dresses, shirts, shoes, and accessories so every child could participate with pride. “There was nothing we couldn’t ask of her,” a staff member shared.

She also carried a sense of humor that stayed with people. She once called her stroller—used to carry supplies to and from events—her “Cadillac.” That small, joyful moment captured her spirit: resourceful, proud, and full of personality.

Even as she got older, she kept showing up in the ways she could. When she became ill, the school community sent her flowers. She sat on her porch smiling, surrounded by love.

Her absence at Sunday Dinner last year was deeply felt. “I looked into the crowd and she wasn’t there. That was hard,” one community leader said. “She had always been there.”

She was active in the PTA, brought treats for Teacher Appreciation Week, and always made sure the residents of Harris Homes were seen, supported, and included in conversations that too often left them out.

In a world where public housing communities are frequently overlooked, Ms. Merchant reminded us that leadership begins with presence. She was there. She cared. And her impact remains.

Woodlawn has always been carried by women like her—those who lead with heart, build trust, and care deeply for their neighbors. Women like Doris Jones, Vanessa Jones, Angela Washington, Marilyn Creer, Barnetta Eberhart, Brenda Holifield, Dr. Bertha Nettles, Alberteen Caver, Cassandra Allen, Rosalind Ashe-Gay, Joyce Thomas, Yolanda Flowers, Teretia Jones, Brenda Pettaway, Helen Davis, Valencia King, and Darlena King have each played meaningful roles in shaping the community’s story. Their dedication and presence continue to inspire.

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate them all—the women we name, the women we remember, the women we see in every neighbor who gives their time, serves with care, and helps others rise. We also honor those whose names are not always spoken—the unseen women who shape our communities in quiet, powerful ways.

Strong communities are built by strong women. In Woodlawn, we honor their presence, their power, and the paths they’ve cleared for others.

On March 4, 2020, I was announced as the leader of Woodlawn United. The next day, on my 36th birthday, I stepped into not just a new year of life, but a new chapter of leadership. Today, as I celebrate another year, I reflect on the past five years of leading Woodlawn United—a journey filled with growth, challenges, and transformation. Just weeks after stepping into this role, the world shut down—testing my resilience, challenging my leadership, and pushing me to embrace what it truly means to stand firm and stay the course. In that moment, countless people reached out with belief, well wishes, and trust. I carried that with me—not just as encouragement but as a reminder of my responsibility to preserve what’s good, improve what needs change, and foster progress. Leadership, like salt and light, requires distinction—it’s about being a steady guide and bringing hope, even in uncertain times. 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

None of this has been easy, and none of it has been done alone. A dedicated team, a committed Board of Directors, engaged residents, and strong partners have been instrumental in this progress. A special thank you to my family and friends who have stood by me, lifted me in prayer, reminded me of my strength, and given me space to just be. Your love and support have been a constant source of encouragement. As I celebrate another year of life and leadership, I believe the best is yet to come. To everyone who has walked this journey with me—thank you. Your belief in this work continues to fuel the mission. The work continues.

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.

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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. 

On April 18th, 12 passionate individuals, aiming to better their communities, completed the Woodlawn Effect Fellowship Program (WE Lead). We proudly celebrated with this group as they became the second cohort of WE Lead Fellows.

WE Lead is designed to address the community’s gap in access to leadership development opportunities. Led by Woodlawn Resident and Woodlawn United Founding Board Member, Myeisha Hutchinson, the intergenerational program is designed to refine and grow participants’ leadership skills and challenge them to step outside their comfort zones.

Graduates are prepared to assess, identify, and solve problems in their community and are actively creating positive changes. During the closing ceremony, WE Lead Fellows presented proposals to address issues facing their communities, including community cleanliness and wellness projects.

Rounding out the evening, we were pleased to welcome back Timothy Lanier, WE Lead Fellow Class I, who gave a charge to the graduating fellows, as well as Toi Thronton, WBRC FOX6 Anchor, and Jason Avery, Woodlawn Community President, who joined a leadership panel discussion moderated by WE Lead Program Facilitator, Jason Meadows.

Wayne Honeycutt, Jr. | Owner of The Shop

Today we honor Black History Month by shining a light on local barbershop owner Wayne Honeycutt, Jr. Wayne has owned The Shop for over 40 years and currently serves as President of the Woodlawn Business Association. 

The barbershop is a special place in the Black Community, as it serves as a hub for leadership development, education, and cultural enrichment. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Wayne was instilled with a vision for Black Excellence and has been dedicated to providing top-notch services to his customers, family, and community. 

To continue elevating and supporting Black Culture, Wayne believes WE must continue amplifying messages of Black Excellence, owning properties, building legacies, and positively impacting the community. 

Anita Craig | Owner of Trvl Love Koffee 

Anita Craig is a driven, family-oriented coffee connoisseur who dared to take a chance in the coffee industry. As the owner of Trvl Love Koffee, Anita is breaking barriers and creating opportunities for individuals to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Despite not being a coffee drinker, she specializes in African and Indonesian coffees and is passionate about telling their stories. With a culinary degree and a background in bartending, Anita always knew she wanted to be an entrepreneur. 

Seeing individuals who look like you succeed in business inspires others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. In addition, representation leads to a more inclusive and innovative business community where everyone feels valued and heard. Today, Anita is helping to create a gathering spot that uplifts and feeds Woodlawn’s soul. 

Remember, support is a verb that requires a lot of intentionality, so let’s continue to elevate and support Black culture and businesses in Woodlawn! Visit Trvl Love Coffee inside Woodlawn Marketplace Wednesday – Saturday 7am – 3pm!

Teretia Jones | Woodlawn Resident 

Meet Teretia Jones, a proud resident of Woodlawn for over 38 years. 

Ms. Jones is now a retiree from Otis Elevator 40! Teretia has seen the Woodlawn Community as it ebbed and flowed over the years. 

Teretia reminisces about being the first Black family on her street, where she serves her community faithfully. Ms. Jones prefers leading from the back by actively supporting Woodlawn’s leaders and engaging with the neighborhood association to build a resilient and inclusive community. This Black History Month, we asked Teretia what it means to her, her thoughts on building equity and inclusivity in our communities, and her advice: “Don’t let the naysayers say you can’t do it. Instead, surround yourself with people who support you and your diverse thoughts.” 

Together, WE will continue to champion Black culture in Woodlawn, have meaningful conversations, and make a positive impact that will create legacies of equity and inclusiveness for future generations.