Student Leader Spotlight: Lamar Taylor of The Binghamton Chapter of the NAACP

In honor of Black History Month, The Fleishman Center for Career and Professional Development would like to highlight student leaders of Black organizations on campus. This interview will feature Lamar Taylor of the Binghamton Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. 

Lamar Taylor ‘23 (Housing Chair)

Lamar Taylor is a senior majoring in Social Work and the Housing Chair for the Binghamton University Chapter of the NAACP. 

1. What are you passionate about?

Wellness. By that I am referring to the preservation of self, the world we live in, and the opportunities we become involved with. Wellness is a general mindset and can apply to anything we choose. By upholding the concept of wellness in our lives we have the capacity to not keep ourselves level headed but create the space necessary for taking on more roles, giving to communities that are in need, and lastly, to teach someone else or other groups these same practices so that they can flourish as well. 

2. As a student leader, how important is it for students to be involved on campus? 

Campus involvement is an important part of the college experience holistically. By getting involved on campus, there is an opportunity for students to learn more about themselves, their interests and their passions all while possibly getting to know those same facets in the lives of other folks. It’s mostly up to interpretation as campus involvement may not guarantee these things but it is still a good thing to explore during your time here as it could also lead to other opportunities. 

3. What skills have you gained by being a member of this Executive Board?

Understanding, the ability to be a part of a team, and efficiency. By being a part of this organization I have had the opportunity to really challenge the way I think and become more well rounded in terms of my understanding of topics that are often discussed pertaining to the aims of this particular group. Additionally, having the opportunity to collaborate with other organizations has also been a major pro to my experience serving as Housing Chair for the Binghamton University Chapter of NAACP as it helps foster a deeper connection with other folks and the aims and objectives of the respective organizations. 

4. Why did you first join this organization?

My interest in joining NAACP started way back when I was a freshman. I wanted to be a part of this organization because I was interested in becoming involved with the aims of advancing Black lives in the world of both academia and just day to day life. As I progressed in my education, I didn’t reach my goal of joining till my junior year. But during that time I had the opportunity to learn so much more about the organization and am grateful for this experience. 

5. How does your organization contribute to the upliftment of Black community members?

Along with other organizations such as BSU, and Men of Color Scholastic Society, NAACP is the forefront of the contribution to the Black Community. On campus, the impact we have had as a group is strong, but what makes it even more special is that there is even an opportunity to continue membership and still generally support the organization and its causes at a national level. With this you can help fight against things like police brutality, employment and education rights, housing equality, voting rights and so much more. 

By Stephanie Ramirez-Cisneros
Stephanie Ramirez-Cisneros Senior Peer Consultant