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by Floyd Gordon
Azi Taylor, the research guru, is a 28-year-old man born in Berkeley but raised in Sacramento, California. He considers himself an advanced writer of poems like Haikus but more of a novice when the topics become extensive.
His journalism career begins coming back to the Bay Area after living in the state of Ohio for over 10 years. Taylor was brought back home due to a great job opportunity in the financial district of San Francisco as a financial planner.
Floyd Gordon: How did you end up at the Bay View newspaper?
Azi Taylor: I was walking in the neighborhood and came across the newspaper and decided to read it and do some further research on the paper. I realized that this is a newspaper that speaks to the Black community as well as gives the community a voice.
I decided to get in contact with Editor in Chief JR Valrey and joined the class of junior writers for the San Francisco Bay View newspaper.
Floyd Gordon: Why financial planning?
Azi Taylor: When I was about 16 years old, I was living up in Antioch, California. My mom had received an eviction notice and I never understood what that meant at the time. I went to school and promised myself that I would do everything in my power to understand that and more when it comes to anything that ties in with real estate or financial planning.
Floyd Gordon: What sparked your interest in journalism?
Azi Taylor: I’ve always loved the research aspect of journalism because that is where I excel. After I further my career in writing at the Bay View, I hope to use what i’ve learned to potentially work for a large publication company as a research analyst.
Floyd Gordon: What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Azi Taylor: I love to go to the beach and relax. I’m not much of a city guy. I feel like there’s a huge disconnect between the city and nature that I have never been a fan of. I’m also a part of the older chess club in the Bay Area named Mechanic’s Institute downtown on Post Street.
Any chance Taylor gets he tries to incorporate some form of being in nature into his day. It helps him keep a level and clear head that can potentially spark some writing, whether it is his next poem or article.
Floyd Gordon: If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be and why?
Azi Taylor: I would choose faith, endurance and insight because these are the fruits of the Holy Spirit that guide my decision-making. For all the people out there, dive into Proverbs and James in the Bible. They are books on wisdom and they are valuable for establishing sound business, life and relationships principles.
Floyd Gordon is a graduate of the Bay View’s Community Journalism Program.
