The INSIDER - Spring/Summer 2024

Dr. Edward J. Robinson Dr. Edward J. Robinson has recently

published a new book, "To Pave the Way for His People: A Life of Preston Taylor." This new release is a biography that discusses the life of Preston Taylor (1849-1931), one of the most powerful and prominent African Americans during the Progressive Era. With this book, Dr. Robinson continues his groundbreaking work on the crucial role of African American leaders and churches in the Stone-Campbell movement. Dr. Robinson recounts the story of a brilliant, powerful, and flawed leader whose influence extended from Nashville to the national stage and continues today. Taylor's organizational and business skills led to the creation of associations that gave both identity and agency to Black Disciples at a time when repressive laws and horrific prejudices made such action extremely difficult. Despite being born into chattel enslavement in Shreveport, Louisiana, Preston Taylor emerged as a powerful leader. Following his service for the Union Army, Taylor poured his efforts and energy into the railroad industry and higher education to uplift Black people in Kentucky. After toiling as a religious leader and educator in Kentucky, he relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, and established a cemetery and funeral home for African Americans, as well as led efforts to erect a recreational park, organized a bank university (Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal College, now Tennessee State University). In essence, Preston Taylor was a religious leader, community builder, and an adroit entrepreneur in Middle Tennessee and beyond. PAGE 3 8 | THE I NS I DE R (One Cent Savings Bank, now Citizens Savings and Loan), and established a

DR. EDWARD J. ROBINSON