By D. L. White
An often repeated cliché’ suggests: “The fruit does not fall far from the tree.”
A sturdy and steady tree in the Phoenix community has been for- mer Arizona senator and legislator, the Hon. Leah Landrum Taylor. Landrum Taylor distinguished her- self with years of service in the Arizona State Legislature, beginning as a member of the House and then serving in the Senate for four two- year terms before moving on to Arizona Department of Education and now serving in the state’s Department of Economic Security.
More than 22 years ago – through a community collaboration that began as Delta Day and expanding into the African-American Legislative Leadership Conference Landrum Taylor has shared not only with the community but her son Greyson, who as a child attended some of the conferences hanging on and being carried by his mother.
Today, 22 years later, Greyson a college graduate works with his mother in the coordination and organizing of the annual event.
Reflecting on the start of the viable event, Landrum Taylor noted, “There was such a need for many across the state in our community that wanted and needed to fully understand the Legislative process and our small committee at the time felt it was needed to expand our reach.
“The committee grew, and we were able to establish pillars that we have been working and improving on for the 22 years with a focus on education, justice, economic development, environmental sustainability, health and our youth.”
The importance of having youth engaging in the legislative process was born into the fabric of the conference from the outset, she mentioned.
“We also wanted our youth to understand the importance of engaging early with the political process and we then added the Youth Day in addition to the other parts of the conference.”
Greyson with his mother, LeahLandrum Taylor, former Arizona senator and legislator who was integral in creating the annual African American Legislative Leadership Conference. Greyson first attended the conference as a two-year-old with his mother.
Greyson, who first attended the legislative leadership conference as a two-year-old in his mother’s arms, now plays an integral role in the process.
“As far back as I can remember, I always knew that my mom has been heavily involved as a leader in the community when it comes to civic engagement and advocacy. Growing up I had the privilege to spend a lot of time with her in her professional settings and it truly inspired me and was pertinent to the molding of who I am today.
“Her integrity and character never wavered and I was able to embody many of the admirable traits that she demonstrated in her leadership. Having her as my mom has truly been a blessing both personally and professionally because she is my best friend as well as the most caring and honest mentor that I have in my life,” Greyson shared.
Such adoring words from one’s child.
Landrum Taylor, the mother of three (with two daughters), felt early on that Greyson through his social activism in elementary and later at Brophy College Preparatory, would migrate to meaningful outreach.
Greyson graduated from Brophy in 2019, and then matriculated at Arizona State University where he earned a bachelor’s in sports business in 2022. Currently, he is in the final semester of his MBA while competing in Division I track and field as a sprinter at Grand Canyon University.
As executive assistant and project coordinator for the AALLC, Greyson’s role is pivotal in advancing the commission’s objectives which also includes comprehensive administrative support, managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence, allowing the leadership to focus on strategic initiatives.
Additionally, Greyson noted his responsibilities.
“I help oversee various projects aimed at addressing the needs of the African American community in Arizona, from organizing community events to implementing advocacy campaigns, I work to ensure that projects are executed efficiently and aligned with the commission’s mission of promoting equity and empowerment.”
Observing her son in action, organizing, coordinating and playing an active role in the facilitation of the African American Legislative Leadership Conference, brings a smile to Landrum-Taylor’s face and her soul.
“It is a bit surreal I have to admit but it does not surprise me as he has always enjoyed giving back to the community that has readily given to him.
“Greyson has actually been attending this conference since he was a baby, we recently celebrated our 22 year of presenting this Conference and he is 22 years old now.”
Visions For The Future
Landrum Taylor would like to see the conference evolve to have every county represented with attendees from across the state meeting with their legislators and having pieces of legislation that they are bringing forward to have introduced that will greatly assist the African American community.
“It would be most beneficial to continue having the conference at the capitol and as it grows every year in attendance we may just have to have it for an entire week,” noted Landrum Taylor, nodding at the thought of a weeklong conference.
Greyson stated that after graduation he plans to start his career in the sports industry or corporate world where he can use his skills and passions in the community and business relations.
“I would like to gain more insight corporate partnerships, and management while continuing to give back to the community.”
He continued: “As it relates to the conference and its growth going forward, I would like to see it evolve to have an even stronger statewide and national presence. The work that has been getting done each year is phenomenal and should be more widespread.
“Our Youth Days have been very successful and I would love to see some of the students who are inspired by the conference get involved with the Commission, return as speakers and presenters, and become future awardees as they embark on their journeys to success.”
An insightful consideration from one who did just that. The fruit does not fall far from the tree.
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