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For Oak Cliff
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Co-Founded with Xavier Henderson
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2020 Black Male Achievement Fellow
bold idea
Increase the social mobility and social capital of Black students and communities in South Oak Cliff, Dallas, by providing a space for education, advocacy, community building, and transparent conversations around fears, doubts, and race.
organization overview
For Oak Cliff (FOC) works to liberate South Oak Cliff from systemic oppression by building a culture of education to increase social mobility and social capital. FOC’s programs focus on education, advocacy, and community building. Through these three pillars, FOC has successfully removed some of the barriers that exist for those living in an oppressed condition. FOC provides GED classes, access to mental and physical health treatment, an annual community festival, and opportunities for artistic expression. By committing to its mission, FOC will be the catalyst to heal its neighbors and inspire others to believe that liberation starts within.
Personal Bio
Taylor Toynes is the co-founder and executive director of For Oak Cliff, which he started with students as a first-year teacher. Discouraged by the disparities and inequities his students experienced, and noting that nothing had changed since his childhood, Taylor was compelled to organize the inaugural FOC Back to School Festival for his students and community. The festival drew attention to the needs of the community and led to collaborations with system leaders such as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. Taylor is committed to the Oak Cliff community and lives in the neighborhood with his family. For his leadership, Taylor has received awards from the United Nations, the NAACP, and Southern Methodist University (SMU), to name a few. Taylor and the FOC team won Teach For America’s Social Innovation Award and have been recognized by national news outlets. Taylor is a graduate of University of North Texas and has a master’s degree from SMU. Taylor is a 2020 Echoing Green Fellow.
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