The Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc. started this petition to the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Major Taylor Initiative was established by the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., based in Chicago, to advocate for the recognition of Marshall W. “Major” Taylor. Major Taylor was an African American professional cyclist. Taylor may be the greatest American sprinter of all time. He became the first African American to become the cycling champion of the world and earned the title of the “world’s fastest man.”

Taylor (1878 –1932) was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. A wealthy white family employed his father as coachman.  The family gave Taylor a bicycle. He earned the nickname “Major” when he performed cycling stunts outside a local bike shop while he wore a military-style jacket.

Taylor won his first bike race in 1890. Five years later, he moved to Worcester, Massachusetts, with his employer and racing manager. Taylor established seven world records, including the 1-mile paced standing start, by the end of 1898. On August 10, 1899, Taylor won the world 1-mile championship in Montreal, becoming the second black man to win a world championship in any sport. 

Taylor notched more achievements after the turn of the century. Taylor became the American sprint champion in 1900. He started to compete in Europe, beating every champion. Taylor also raced in Australia and New Zealand. 

Taylor earned fame and fortune during his career but faced tremendous racial prejudice. Some track owners banned him from competing at their venues. White spectators heckled him. Some white cycling clubs banned him. Other white competitors threatened him. He received death threats and was abused by spectators. In Taunton, Massachusetts, a white cyclist pushed him off his bike and choked him until he was unconscious.  

He married Daisy V. Morris in 1902 and retired eight years later. He eventually lost his wealth due to failed business ventures and medical bills. He moved to Chicago, in 1930, to sell his autobiography.  He died of a heart attack in 1932 and was buried in an unmarked grave. In 1948, a group of cyclists had Taylor’s body exhumed and reburied in the Memorial Garden of Mount Glenwood Cemetery in Glenwood, Illinois. 

Taylor continues to inspire many people. Many cycling clubs, trails, and events in the U.S. have been named in his honor. He was inducted into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in 1989.

Also, send this message to your Congressperson: “I urge you to support a bill that awards Marshall W. ‘Major’ Taylor the Congressional Gold Medal.”