Who we are

About Us

Learn about our values, mission, and purpose.

Black In Mayberry supporters at an event

About Black in Mayberry

Black in Mayberry is primarily focused on addressing the systemic and institutional racism that robs, burdens and disrupts the lives of Black people in the United States of America. Through the application of  art and education we strive for political, social, economic and legal change.

We believe that art is a powerful tool for encouraging discourse, educating minds and changing hearts. Through creative collaborations with artists and activists we intend to expose, discuss, evaluate current systems and doctrines that uphold racism whether direct or indirect.

A group of supporters at a Black In Mayberry event.
We are on a mission to combat racism through the arts.

Our Values

A drummer at a Black In Mayberry eventA group of supports taking a photo together at a Black In Mayberry event. Participants posing excitedly at a Black In Mayberry event
Artistic Power

We believe in the limitless potential of Black artists & activists and thus invest in creating opportunities where socially conscious art can impact our society and contribute to the elimination of racism.

Embracing Diversity

We recognize that there are intrinsic experiences that vary for different individuals and groups. We seek to have all voices and experiences within the Black community heard.

Community

We believe in the value of healthy, constructive relationships between members of our community, and do our part to contribute to the upliftment of the Black community.

Collaboration

We believe in the power of many and seek positive collaborations with other people and organizations to forward the fight against racism.

Authenticity

We foster creativity in our community, artists, and activities, emphasizing fluidity and flexibility to explore new ideas and create innovative solutions.

Joy

Despite our mission being one that is extremely serious we seek joy in our activities as a healthy means of healing and sustaining our community.

Elevating Black Voices and Challenging Racism
"Our work elevates perspectives on race, uplifts the Black community, and dismantles racist precepts."
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Two artists stand near an art piece.

From Our Founder

Racism has been an ever present overbearing disrupter and destroyer of Black lives. While our ancestors fought much to achieve some legally recognized human and civil rights, systemic racism pursues. Racism takes lives, destroys communities and subjugates Black people to extreme inequality and countless daily injustices.

As we fight for the right to live with dignity and in peace, our cries for change are often brushed aside, hushed or ignored. Black in Mayberry utilizes the arts to ensure that Black voices are heard, and our demands for justice and equality are kept at the forefront of America’s conscience.

Art has the power to inspire change, ignite action, provide comfort, encouragement and strength in the darkest hours and immense joy in the celebration of obstacles overcome. Art has been a constant friend to the Black community, a safe space for boundless creativity and excellence to flourish and the purest expression of being Black.

A photo of Tanya Taylor
Tanya Taylor
Founder & Executive Director
A photo of Denise Harris
Denise Harris
Secretary of the Board of Directors

From Our Board

At the height of the pandemic, there was still no vaccine. Across America, people took to the streets to protest the brutal murders of black people by police and white nationalists. “No Justice! No Peace!”, “Say their names!”, “This is what democracy looks like!” My son, Wayne, joined me as we hit the streets in solidarity. Masked and determined, the marches were invigorating, and the marchers were a cross-section of society. Without hesitation, I accepted Tanya Taylor’s invitation to join her for the first protest march in El Segundo, CA. the others that followed, and ultimately, the Black in Mayberry movement was born.

Black people in America have stories to tell. Stories of subtle, sometimes overt, racist microaggressions we seldom articulate. Nevertheless, the scar of insult has been struck. It is increasingly clear that black folks must tell our stories challenging the illusion that we live in a post-racial America. Far from it. What better and more natural way for the stories to be told than through the arts – visual and performing? It stimulates heart-to-heart dialogue, the only way actual change occurs. Sharing is healing. That is the mission of Black in Mayberry, and I am privileged to be a part of carrying it out.

Our Team

Board of Directors

Tanya Taylor
Founder & Executive Director

Tanya Taylor

Tanya Taylor is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Denise Harris
Secretary of the Board of Directors

Denise Harris

Denise Harris is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Lee Tonks
CFO

Lee Tonks

Lee Tonks is currently crafting his bio with as much care and creativity as he brings to our programs. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Erin Workman
Board of Directors

Erin Workman

Erin Workman is currently crafting their bio with as much care and creativity as they bring to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Team Members

Abighail McKinney
Executive/Administrative Assistant

Abighail McKinney

Abighail has always had a passion to speak up for others. Abighail has served as an administrative assistant to Black in Mayberry since 2023. You can usually find her in the Slack chat or taking meeting minutes. With a background in Environmental Studies and Marine Sciences, Abighail has a special interest in how environmental waste and pollution disproportionately affect Black marginalized communities. “With Black in Mayberry, we are able to provide education, history and art in a teachable environment” “I am looking forward to amplifying Black voices and Black artists for many years to come!”

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Aniq Abbassy
Writer

Aniq Abbassy

Hi, I'm Aniq. I write biweekly newsletters for Black in Mayberry. I'm from Singapore and I'm currently living in the Netherlands. I recently graduated with a BA in History. I have always enjoyed research and writing, and I developed these skills during my 4 years at University. Upon graduating, I decided to put these skills to good use through volunteer work. I joined Black in Mayberry because I believe that arts and culture are powerful tools for uniting people.

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Zainab Al Moosawi
Marketing Strategist

Zainab Al Moosawi

Zainab Moosawi-Vesterhus (Zee) is a seasoned marketing manager with over 10 years of experience across West Asia, the US, and Europe. She holds an MSc in Project Management, specializing in transformation projects, a Bachelor’s degree in Business (Marketing), and Associate degrees in Digital Marketing and User Experience. Zainab excels in crafting and executing marketing strategies across digital and traditional channels. Passionate about optimizing user experiences, customer journeys, and enhancing brand experiences, she leverages data-driven techniques to deliver measurable results. Known for her creativity and adaptability, Zainab consistently drives growth in competitive markets. Additionally, she is dedicated to using her expertise to support nonprofits and causes that drive positive social impact.

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Jasmine Parker
Artist in Residence

Jasmine Parker

Jas Parker is a Los Angeles-based interdisciplinary artist, mother, advocate and educator creating engaging mixed-media artwork, lessons, and projects to educate, empower, and inspire others. Working interdisciplinary in acrylics, collage, pastel, mixed media, nature, text, creative writing, and photography. Jas uses her artistic social practice as a way of healing, bringing joy and awareness through the act of creativity and community, creating a catalyst for social change and unity.

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Nia Simone Lane
Creative Development

Nia Simone Lane

Nia Lane is the Creative Executive Assistant at Black in Mayberry, where she serves as the first point of contact for the founder. In her role, she manages daily operations and supports various projects that focus on combating anti-Blackness in America through the arts. Nia’s background as a painter and former artist intern informs her work, as she contributes to the organization’s mission of uplifting Black artist-activists and supporting predominantly Black communities. Her dedication to art and social justice drives her efforts to amplify voices and foster change through creative and strategic initiatives.

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Isabel Oliveira
Legal Assistant

Isabel Oliveira

Isabel is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Paige Swiss
Marketing Manager

Paige Swiss

Paige Swiss is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Maya Savedra
Staff Writer

Maya Savedra

Maya Savedra is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Hollie Stenson
Impact Strategist

Hollie Stenson

Hollie Stenson is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Analis Sierra
Human Resources

Analis Sierra

With a background in sociology, I have developed a deeper understanding of how social structures impact individuals differently, and I am a proud advocate for social justice with a deep commitment to racial equity. I am passionate about embracing our differences to come together to drive positive change. By recognizing the unique experiences and challenges faced by marginalized communities, we can build stronger, more inclusive communities that foster empathy, understanding, and collective action. I am proud of the work being done through Black in Mayberry, as it not only advocates against racism, but provides a platform for black artists to be celebrated and create freely.

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Andrew Jackson
Project Manager

Andrew Jackson

Committed to delivering accessible education for young people to pursue their passions without limitations.

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Juice Mackins
Director of Performing Arts

Juice Mackins

Juice Mackins is currently crafting his bio with as much care and creativity as he brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Perri Daniel
Program Director for Still Waters Art Therapy

Perri Daniel

Perri Daniel is currently crafting her bio with as much care and creativity as she brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Will Porter
Artist in Residence

Will Porter

Will Porter is currently crafting his bio with as much care and creativity as he brings to our mission. Stay tuned for the masterpiece!

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Artists & Activists Unite to End Racism
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The Black In Mayberry team at a Ted X event.