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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
20-7
In the Council of the District of Columbia
February 5, 2013
To posthumously honor the life of Lionel Taylor for his exceptional commitment and service to the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor was born in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 1947;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor graduated from Gage Elementary, Shaw Middle School, Langley Junior High, and Dunbar Senior High School;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor began Bando training with Joe Manley at age 14;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor attended Federal City College, Washington Technical Institute and graduated from the University of the District of Columbia with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor became a physical education instructor and basketball coach at Ward 5’s St. Martin’s Catholic School;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor became a Roving Leader in Ward 5 in 1972;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor, applying his collegiate education, became the Director of Langley Recreation Center (renamed the Harry Thomas Sr. Community Center) and remained the Director until he retired in 2009;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor became a karate instructor at the National Youth Sports Program and enriched District children through martial arts;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor expanded the United Youth Athletic Club by developing 5 football teams, 2 cheerleading squads, and several softball and basketball teams;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor founded and served as the president of the Amateur Kickboxing Federation (“AKF”);
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor drafted AKF’s articles of incorporation and organized “Boxing under the Stars” and many other martial arts tournaments in the metropolitan area;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor, a member of the Bando Brotherhood, was a 7th Level Black Belt in the American Bando Association;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor participated in many initiatives, such as the North Capitol Collaborative Inc., Weed and Seed Program, Neighborhood Planning Commission, and Friends of Harry Thomas Sr. Recreation Center;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor’s leadership over the years has been a treasured resource for developing and strengthening the youth and families in Ward 5 and beyond;
WHEREAS, Lionel Taylor is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Taylor, 15 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Lionel Taylor Posthumous Recognition Resolution of 2013”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes, honors, and celebrates the life of Lionel Taylor for his distinguished service and extensive contributions to the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
