FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 11, 2023

Contact:

Office of Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01)

Kavin Jagnarain

kavin.jagnarain@mail.house.gov

Office of Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02)

Eliana Locke

eliana.locke@mail.house.gov

Office of Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07)

Tumia Romero

tumia.romero@mail.house.gov

JACKSON (IL-01), KELLY (IL-02), AND DAVIS (IL-07) INTRODUCE BILL TO POSTHUMOUSLY AWARD A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO MARSHALL WALTER ‘MAJOR’ TAYLOR

Washington D.C. — Congressman Jonathan L Jackson (IL-01), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07) today introduced the ‘‘Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act’’, a bill that seeks to posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall Walter 'Major' Taylor in recognition of his inspiring legacy.

In introducing the bill, Congressman Jonathan L Jackson evoked the rich legacy of civil rights struggles, reflecting, "We stand on the shoulders of giants. Marshall Walter 'Major' Taylor was such a giant. He faced down the relentless specter of racial discrimination, both on and off the race track. His courage, not just in the realm of sports, but in the greater race of life, set the stage for the victories of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, as we introduce the 'Marshall Major Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act', we seek not just to honor a world-class athlete, but to pay homage to an American hero who dared to defy the boundaries of his time, and in doing so, paved the way for a more just and equal society. His life and achievements continue to inspire us to challenge the status quo and strive for a fair and equitable world."

With a shared commitment to recognizing the contributions of individuals who have shaped our history, Congresswoman Robin Kelly further emphasized the importance of Major Taylor's legacy. 

Amplifying the call to honor Major Taylor, Congressman Danny K. Davis articulately expressed, "The incredible achievements and unwavering determination of Major Taylor, both on and off the bicycle, exemplify the spirit of true heroism. His groundbreaking accomplishments in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to us all. It is my strong recommendation that Major Taylor be honored with the Congressional Medal of Honor, a fitting tribute to a man who defied odds and blazed a trail for future generations."

It is particularly significant that these Illinois representatives, Jackson, Kelly, and Davis, are leading this effort to honor Taylor's legacy. Taylor's final years were spent in Chicago, making this recognition a poignant tribute from the city where he lived during his last days. The posthumous awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to Major Taylor serves as an important acknowledgement of the profound impact of his life and accomplishments and stands as a testament to his unbroken spirit and enduring legacy.

Commenting on Taylor's Chicago legacy, John E. Adams, CPA, Founder & Executive Director of the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., shared, "When we learned that Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor moved to Chicago and that his last place of residency was the Wabash YMCA, we could not imagine developing the Bronzeville Trail (linear park) without advocating for him to receive the civic recognition he deserves. He may be well known in cycling circles, but despite what he endured during the Jim Crow Era, in which he competed to become a world champion in cycling, it is way past time for him to receive one of the highest civilian honors our government has to offer."

Lynne Tolman, President of the Major Taylor Association, Inc., echoed this sentiment: "As a barrier-breaking athlete, an advocate for racial equality and fairness, an exemplar of good sportsmanship, and a paragon of human dignity, Major Taylor earned global fame in his lifetime but didn't always get the national recognition he deserved. A posthumous Congressional Gold Medal will cement his place in U.S. history."

Adding a personal perspective, Major Taylor's great-granddaughter, Karen Brown Donovan, reflected, "He challenged both the odds and the adversity of his time with dignity and determination, and he went on to ultimately triumph. The awarding of a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal would be a significant achievement towards honoring his life and legacy."

About Major Taylor

Marshall "Major" Taylor, born in 1878 outside of Indianapolis, Indiana, was a trailblazing African American cyclist who shattered racial barriers to become the world's first black cycling champion and the first African American world champion in any sport. Remarkably, his groundbreaking achievements came forty years before Jesse Owens' historic performance at the Berlin Olympics and fifty years before Jackie Robinson stepped up to bat for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

His first race, unknowingly entered by his employer as a publicity stunt, ended in a victory for the 11-year-old Taylor. This ignited his successful career that spanned over two decades. By 1898, he held seven world records, including the one-mile, and was named the National Cycling Champion in 1900. As Taylor toured internationally, he shattered records, secured world champion titles, and became a household name. However, despite his fame, he faced severe racism and discrimination, often denied access to races and public establishments due to his skin color.