WOMEN MAKING HISTORY 2026: The Taylor Family’s Legacy of Service, Culture and Community | A Chronicle News Community Spotlight Series
- The Chronicle News
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
In Lansing, some families quietly shape the future of their communities through generations of service. The Taylor family is one of them.
From youth mentorship and literacy programs to cultural dance and community outreach, the work of Dr. Lee Taylor, AnJanette “Ms. Angel” Taylor, and Heather Taylor reflects a shared belief that when women invest in their communities, entire generations rise.
Together, their work spans more than five decades of leadership rooted in education, culture, empowerment, and faith.
Dr. Lee Taylor
Founder and Executive Director, Brand New Me Workshops Inc.
The story begins with Dr. Lee Taylor, whose work dates back to 1974 with the founding of Brand New Me Workshops Inc. (BNM) in Lansing.
BNM was created in response to the devastating impact of the I-496 highway construction, which displaced hundreds of Black families and dismantled thriving Black neighborhoods in the city.
The consequences were far-reaching:
• 22 Black-owned businesses were lost
• 3 neighborhood schools closed
• More than 699 families were displaced
These disruptions created economic hardship and social fragmentation for many Black families.
Dr. Taylor founded Brand New Me to help rebuild what had been lost.
The organization focuses on three core areas:
Personal Development and Awareness
Empowering women, youth, and young adults through mentorship, education, and leadership training rooted in cultural pride and self-worth.
Prison Outreach and Re-entry Support
BNM provides resume training, interview preparation, and mentorship within 17 Michigan Department of Corrections facilities, helping individuals re-enter society with dignity and opportunity.
Culture, Arts, and Literacy
Through programs like summer youth camps, literacy initiatives, and cultural education, BNM teaches young people about the often overlooked contributions of Black innovators such as Patricia Bath, Alexa Canady, and Gladys West.
Dr. Taylor believes that knowledge of heritage helps young people develop confidence and purpose. Her guiding message is simple yet powerful:
“You are the gold they are searching for. I am somebody. Now act like it.”
AnJanette “Ms. Angel” Taylor
Director, Brand New Me Youth Reading Readiness Program
Director, Youth Entrepreneurs Program (CKBC)
Following in her mother’s footsteps, AnJanette “Ms. Angel” Taylor has become a powerful advocate for youth leadership and literacy in Lansing.
Since becoming director of youth programming at Christ’s Kingdom Builders Church in 2010, Ms. Angel has helped guide young people through programs designed to build confidence, work ethic, and community awareness.
In 2020, the summer outreach initiative was expanded under the umbrella of Brand New Me, strengthening its reach and impact.
Ms. Angel credits her parents for shaping the values that guide her work.
Traveling with them throughout her childhood exposed her to service, culture, and the importance of community involvement.
Her mission is centered on preparing youth to become engaged citizens and leaders.
“I believe we should have a vested interest in our community, where we live and where we come from. Support should be both financial and physical. Known or unknown.”
Through programs like the Youth Entrepreneurs Program, young people gain exposure to small businesses, leadership opportunities, and real-world skills that prepare them for the future.
Her goal is simple: to ensure that young people, particularly young women, understand their power to shape their communities today.
Heather Taylor
Director, Worship Without Words Community Dance Group
Meet Ms. Heather Taylor. She is an outgoing, positive and kind spirit. Most know her for her elegant hairstyles, beautifully crafted outfits and, her winning smile.
For Heather Taylor, her path of service took a creative turn through the power of movement and culture.
In 2007, the African Masquerade Dance Company transitioned into what is now known as Worship Without Words, a liturgical praise dance group with a strong cultural foundation.
Heather’s love for dance grew through studying multiple styles during college, including ballet, jazz, tap, and salsa. But it was African dance that truly captured her heart.
She was fascinated by how dance historically served as a form of storytelling and communication during times when enslaved Africans were denied their voices.
Inspired by that legacy, she created Worship Without Words to combine African dance traditions with liturgical praise dance, creating a ministry that both educates and inspires.
The group has become widely known for performances that blend culture, spirituality, and community engagement.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Worship Without Words found a powerful way to bring hope to isolated seniors.
The group organized outdoor performances at nursing homes and private residences, delivering care packages and performing uplifting dance concerts for those who were sick or alone.
Neighbors gathered outside and watched from windows and doorways, turning these moments into powerful displays of community connection.
The initiative became so impactful that local news outlets covered several of the performances. Heather believes art can heal.
“Movement to music is a vessel that can touch, heal, and uplift the soul.”
Today, Worship Without Words continues to partner with numerous women’s organizations across Lansing, performing at events that promote unity, empowerment, and cultural pride.
From the Chronicle to The Sunday Chronicle
Heather Taylor’s work through Worship Without Words has also been featured on The Sunday Chronicle, where she joined host Yanice Carter for a powerful conversation about culture, faith, and the healing power of dance.
During the interview, Heather reflected on how movement can communicate what words often cannot, especially within communities navigating hardship, isolation, and healing.
The conversation explored how African dance traditions, praise ministry, and cultural storytelling intersect in her work, and how those elements have helped Worship Without Words become a source of inspiration throughout Lansing.
Readers interested in hearing more about Heather’s journey and the mission behind Worship Without Words can listen to the full interview on The Sunday Chronicle podcast and broadcast platform.
A Family Legacy of Community
Together, the Taylor women represent something powerful: generational leadership rooted in service.
Dr. Lee Taylor laid the foundation through advocacy and community development.
AnJanette “Ms. Angel” Taylor continues the work through youth empowerment and mentorship.
Heather Taylor carries the legacy forward through art, culture, and healing through movement.
Their work reminds us that community change often begins in families willing to dedicate their lives to uplifting others. In Lansing, the Taylor family’s impact continues to ripple across generations.
“There is always UNITY in CommUNITY.”
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