PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Kamaar Taliaferro of Pittsfield will recognized with the 2022 Black Excellence award as part of the Black Excellence on the Hill event.  

 

This awards event, held annually by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC), commemorates Black community leaders. The MBLLC seeks to highlight the heritage and work of those belonging to the Black diaspora through a virtual Black Excellence on the Hill celebration. L

 

Taliaferro was nominated by state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

 

"Kamaar Taliaferro is a young man who is quietly working to support and enhance his community in a variety of ways. Often in the background, but very much a leader and team player, Kamaar is a member of the local chapter of NAACP serving as Housing Committee Chair and is a member of West Side Legends (WSL). WSL is group of People of Color (POC) that grew up on the west side of Pittsfield that are invested in helping the community," she wrote.

 

One of Taliaferro's friends and fellow members of NAACP, Shirley Edgerton, described Taliaferro as a  "genius — no exaggeration, working tirelessly conducting research and advocating for change and equity where it's needed. He is passionate about promoting fair and affordable housing, particularly for POC. A community activist from a very young age, Kamaar helps people with housing evictions and assists with overcoming obstacles that prevent them from staying housed and getting housing. He is solution oriented."  

 

Taliaferro has been working with a local financial institution on the history of redlining, a project to help address wealth gaps and inequities for POC to purchase homes. 

 

Taliaferro has helped many Pittsfield residents understand the process of ARPA funding and other opportunities. Taliaferro has also been instrumental in working with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on the Healthy and Efficient Homes Pilot Project to address indoor environmental hazards and energy efficiency issues in homes in particular areas of Pittsfield with older homes. 

 

Taliaferro has been teaching community members about the importance of farm to table eating and the value in supporting local agriculture. In addition, he is passionate about Biodynamic farming, using a broad fork vs machinery such as a rototiller.  The process he utilizes enhances soil fertility, protects crops and enhances overall plant health. He also contributes his home-grown vegetables to organizations that serve some of our most vulnerable communities.

 

Taliaferro will be recognized at a virtual celebration on Monday, Feb. 28, at 6 p.m. Jaykyri Simpson, executive director of Young Man with a Plan, will be the keynote speaker and the public is invited to register for the celebration at

 

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkcO2orjwrGtGTCX_VlkgWIA0R6RnoatQN