Meet Our Leadership
Meet our team of dedicated Black male leaders who are passionate about making a difference in our community. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences that contribute to our mission of empowerment and support. Together, we work tirelessly to create programs and initiatives that uplift and inspire. Get to know our leaders and learn how their commitment shapes our organization and the lives of those we serve.
John Taylor lll was born in Cleveland, Ohio and he attended Tuskegee University where he received degrees in Political Science & History as well as minors in International Affairs & African Studies. He moved to Atlanta in 2001.
John has worked with SEIU since 2003. Over his 16+ years with SEIU he has continued to work on various campaigns and initiatives including developing a model for integrating student and youth affiliates directly into labor organizing. Most recently he has worked as the National Field Director of SEIU’s Property Services Division. His work focuses on worker engagement, staff development, organizational equity & incorporating the division's strategic vision into their overall field campaigns. Under the mentorship of Rev. James Orange and Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery, John has served as a co-chairperson of the Martin Luther King Jr. March Committee since 2001.
As a part of his work with GCPA & Black Youth Vote!, he developed and implemented national voter registration and GOTV initiatives. Since the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 John has been a standing member of the African-AfricanAmerican Renaissance Delegation led by Rev. James Orange (posthumously).
Now serving as a co-chair of Black Male Initiative, John works with his fellow co-chairs to advance the work of their 5 principle pillars.In addition, John serves as board chair for the Center for Third World Organizing (CTWO) & on the SEIU Education Support Fund (ESF). Most importantly, John is a poet, a dedicated husband, a devoted father & a committed advocate for creating equity, sustainability and empowerment in communities of color and has a deep passion for black people, their lives & families
Dakarai Paxton, a Cleveland, Ohio native and proud alumnus of Tuskegee University, is a dedicated servant leader with a dual degree in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Public Policy. His time at Tuskegee was marked by exceptional leadership, serving as President of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, Basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and Senator in the Student Government Association.
Recognized as one of Atlanta's 2023 Young Nonprofit Professionals “30 Under 30” and a recipient of the 2023 Raamel C. Mitchell Student Leadership Award, Dakarai’s commitment to community impact is undeniable. He was also honored as the 2022 Omega Man of the Year for his unwavering service and dedication to the community.
Currently, Dakarai serves as the Governing Co-Chair and Program Director for the Black Male Initiative (BMI), where he leads strategic oversight and programmatic initiatives aligned with BMI’s five core pillars: Education, Civic Engagement, Black Mental Health & Wellness, Criminal/Restorative Justice, and Economic Empowerment. Since joining BMI as Program Manager in 2023, he has been instrumental in expanding BMI’s footprint across Georgia through deep community engagement and advocacy. His leadership has driven growth in key initiatives, enhancing voter registration efforts and fostering sustainable, intergenerational impact.
In this capacity, Dakarai develops and implements strategic initiatives, cultivates partnerships with community organizations, policymakers, and funders, and ensures BMI’s operational sustainability. He is passionate about nurturing a collaborative and inclusive culture that empowers emerging leaders. Dakarai’s work addresses critical issues such as civic engagement, economic instability, and mental health, solidifying his reputation as a catalyst for change and a champion for Black communities.
Evan Hardin, a proud native of Inglewood, California, is a dedicated community advocate and alumnus of Tuskegee University. He graduated with a degree in Political Science, where their passion for leadership, criminal justice reform, and community engagement truly flourished. During their time at Tuskegee, Evan was deeply involved in campus life, serving as the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Events Coordinator as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. and as a senator in the Student Government Association, where they developed a strong foundation in organizational leadership and student advocacy.
Currently, Evan serves as the Program Coordinator for the Black Male Initiative (BMI), where they are responsible for overseeing, implementing, and managing all programmatic work. Since stepping into this role, Evan has played a key role in ensuring the successful execution of initiatives, expanding BMI's reach, and strengthening its impact across Georgia, with a particular focus on criminal justice reform, civic engagement, and community empowerment.
In his present role, he leads extensive civic engagement work, and still remains steadfast in his commitment to criminal/restorative justice. He not only manages program development but also fosters essential partnerships with community organizations, policymakers, and community leaders to ensure BMI’s initiatives are sustainable and impactful. Through his work, Evan remains deeply committed to advancing communities across Georgia within BMI’s five key pillars: Criminal/Restorative Justice, Civic Engagement, Black Mental Health and Wellness, Economic Empowerment, and Education.
BMI PHOTO GALLERY
We are recapturing and reshifting the narrative about Black Men. Our organization represents a collective of community leaders, elected officials, fathers, and diverse ideologies of what it means to be a Black Men in our homes, communities and abroad.