New Haven Independent

Posted by: Willie D.Greene | February 18, 2009 5:11 PM

I was sadden to hear of the passing of Doctor Paul Taylor, Jr. My prayers go out to the family. Both affectionally and professionally referred to as Doc,he always had time to speak to the youth of neighborhood. Doc was among the many leaders that we looked up to on Dixwell Avenue. Leaders such as Dr. Timpson, Dr. Smith, Dr. Pitts, Dr Gilmore all that I was blessed to have known. However, It was Dr. Taylor I knew best and he always had sound advice for all of us that lived in the neighborhood and I don't think any of us kids at that time had any idea as to what these men had to go through. None of us knew at that time when they finished medical school they were not welcomed to practice at the traditonal hospitals. Therefore they opened their own offices under some very difficult circumstances. But yet they held their heads high and managed to provide a personal level of quality care that is now a lost art among many in the medical field. Doc took the time to speak to all that he came upon. He was a proud but yet humble man that will greatly missed.

Posted by: Michelle Turner | February 18, 2009 10:05 PM

Those turbulent times in the Hamden Public Schools I remember all too well. I was President of the Black Student Union at Hamden High, and we experienced the biggest riot at that time the school-- and town-- had ever seen. One student was almost beaten to death, another wrongly accused of that beating;a young black girl jumped on while walking thru the neighborhood by a car full of young men, looking to revenge that beating; her arm was broken. I was sixteen and in the misdt of my junior year of high school -- and I had to step up -- represent my peers, negotiate with administrators and hold meetings with parents and town officials. When finally my peers and I were scheduled to take our concerns to Hamden's Board of Education, we were initially told we wouldn't be allowed to speak. Dr. Taylor, a new member of the board, and the board's first Black, championed our cause, and we became the first group of students to do so. I don't remember what we said that evening, nor do I remember what Dr. Taylor told us, but before the meeting was through, we knew we had an advocate on the Board. Once the meeting was over, Dr. Taylor, with that huge smile, and a glint in his eye, walked over to me and said, "I know your Daddy," and walked away. Indeed, he was my father's fratenity brother, and I suspect Dr. Taylor also looked out for us that evening because of "his Frat." During that year, when I would see him at meetings, he would take a genuine interest in our arguments -- and commentary. Dr. Paul Taylor helped us negotiate our way thru a turbulent time--whether it was through his support, coaching us in our approach, or just a joke to break the ice -- for that I will be forever grateful.

And, I'm sure in Eternity, Pop has stopped playing golf with Saint Peter long enough to greet "His Frat". I'm sure they have lot to discuss.

Blessings To the Taylors as well..

Michelle Turner

Posted by: Doreatha Phillips | March 12, 2009 8:31 PM

I will always remember Dr PaulTaylor he was giant in the community and a God send to his people who needed him more than anything. He made sure everyone who needed glasses and could not afford them , it was made possible through his genorosity and big heart.
My Prayers are with the Taylor Family.

Doreatha Phillips and Family