KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Growing up in 1950’s Knoxville, W. James Taylor wasn’t allowed inside businesses along Gay Street because of his skin color.
“To have a gallery here (on Gay Street) in my mama’s name, speaks volumes how it’s improved here in Knoxville to me,” said Taylor sitting in his own Geneva Galleries office.
Taylor recalled facing racial barriers as a young boy, during his service in the U.S. Air Force, and later as a Knoxville Police officer.
“(Skin color) made a difference always. I felt that was the difference why I became a (military) police officer instead of an aircraft mechanic,” recalled Taylor who felt pushed into one U.S. Air Force job over the other for no good reason.
But when he felt discriminated against, Taylor refused to dwell on the negative.
“You have to stay positive in your life man, I can do anything John,” Taylor said with a broad smile to 10News Anchor John Becker.
His artwork reflects his life and it is something he can sum up in one word, vicissitude.
“Vicissitude means the ups and downs of your life,” Taylor said later pointing to a painting of a mountain scene with peaks and valleys.
Asked if he feels like it mirrors his life in some ways, Taylor responded, saying “every way, not just some ways, every way.”
In addition to our on camera conversation about his life, W. James Taylor took time to answer the following 10 questions about the impact his military service had on the rest of his life.
10 Questions
1. What one person influenced you most in life?
"My dad Eldred Libby Taylor."
2. Do you feel honored and respected for serving your country?
"I do very much and would again."
3. How can people thank you for your service?
"By being kind to someone every day and cherish life."
4. How do you honor your fellow service men and women?
"By recognizing and participating in events set aside to honor them."
5. How do you think this generation of military men and women is different or similar to yours?
"To serve your country has no generational differences both are worthy of honor."
6. What influence did your military service have on the rest of your life?
"To serve my country and give back to its citizens in any way I can."
7. Does your family have a history of military service?
"Yes. My father and two other brothers served."
8. Would you encourage younger generations in your family to join the service?
"Yes, I would and have, but it takes the will of the individual to make that move."
9. How has your opinion of war changed?
"War is a sad necessity when talks do no good. I go the way of the country in wartime."
10. How did your military experience shape your faith?
"My military service did not shape my faith, my mom and dad did that."