The streets of Kannapolis have witnessed a change indicative of reverence and remembrance as East C Street has been officially renamed Milton Taylor Street, in honor of a man who left an indelible imprint on the community. As reported by the City of Kannapolis, the late Mr. Milton Taylor's tireless contributions as an educator, leader, and civic enthusiast are to permanently mark the city's landscape, a decision asserted by the Kannapolis City Council.
Mr. Taylor's story is one to surely inspire many to actively participate in and nurture their communities. Starting out as a teacher and coach, he would eventually ascend to become the first African American principal of George Washington Carver School, which evolved into what is now Kannapolis Middle School. He played a critical role in the school's integration, earnestly working to create an environment inclusive to all students and centering on their learning experiences. Taylor believed "one of the best ways to get to know children is to do things with them," a quote highlighted by the City of Kannapolis.
Even after retiring from active service in schools, Mr. Taylor's passion for education didn't wane. He continued to support and uplift students, particularly in math and science, as one of the key founding members of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s North Carolina Mathematics and Science Education Network. This melded seamlessly with his broader service in civic organizations across Cabarrus and Rowan Counties where his leadership and involvement was expansive, influencing a variety of sectors and services within the community.
His list of awards and recognitions is long, vast, and spans various domains; from Teacher of the Year for Kannapolis City Schools to a Presidential Citation from North Carolina A&T State University. Taylor served tirelessly on several boards, often holding pivotal leadership roles, including presidencies at South Rowan Optimist Club and Cannon Memorial YMCA. He was also actively engaged with the Kannapolis Student Loan, Inc. and Kannapolis Rotary Club, and was a trusted trustee for Sandy Ride AME Zion Church and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. According to the comprehensive list featured by the City of Kannapolis, the awards and acknowledgments he garnered are testimony to his towering yet humble service.
