the official website of
Major Taylor
MAJOR TAYLOR was the most famous athlete IN THE WORLD
Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was a trailblazing African-American athlete who changed professional cycling in the late 19th and early 20th century. Major Taylor broke barriers others are celebrated for breaking, and he did so decades earlier.
Major Taylor was born November 26, 1878 in Indianapolis. Major’s achievements in a predominantly white and racially segregated sport showcased his exceptional athletic ability and challenged racial prejudices.
In 1899, Major Taylor became the first African-American to win a major world championship in cycling, becoming world sprint champion in Montreal, Canada. This victory set the stage for his unprecedented career at a time when bicycles were the emergent technology and bicycle racing captivated the world’s attention. He was the most famous athlete on the planet.
In 2024, Major Taylor received the Distinguished Hoosier Award from the State of Indiana, presented to his great-granddaughter, Karen Brown Donovan.
Major Taylor stoically faced racism and discrimination throughout his career
Major Taylor encountered hostility from his competitors as well as the public, and endured attacks of various kinds on and off the track.
As Taylor became known as the greatest cyclist in the world, he advocated for equality and civil rights. He became a symbol of African-American achievement in sports, inspiring generations of athletes to follow in his footsteps.
He retired in 1910, but Major Taylor’s legacy endures as a testament to his determination to remove barriers. The example he set provided the basis for countless athletes and contributed immeasurably to the fight for equality. To this day, Major Taylor’s story inspires people worldwide.
Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor
1878
born
Indianapolis, Indiana
birthplace
1892
Racing Debut
1932
died
Cycling career
1896
Professional Debut
1899
World Sprint Champion
1900
US Sprint Champion
1.41
Record mile speed
Posthumous Honors
1989
US Bicycling Hall of Fame
1997
Massachusetts Hall of Black Achievement
2000
UCI Cycling Hall of Fame
2008
STATUE OF COMMEMORATION
2018
IAA Jesse Owens Award
Licensing Partners
Licensing major taylor
Luminary Group is the representative of Mrs. Karen Brown Donovan, the rightsowner of and to Major Taylor. If you want to use Major Taylor on product or in an advertising, social media or promotional campaign, contact Luminary Group. Luminary Group does not accept unsolicited content or attachments. Any such content will not be accessed. If you submit a licensing inquiry, include details about your proposed use.
If you are interested in using Major Taylor in a promotional or product campaign, please contact Luminary Group using this form or the contact info below.
Luminary Group LLC
Phone: 317.428.5441
Fax: 317.825.5109
© 2024 Major Taylor c/o Luminary Group LLC
This site is for informational purposes only. No visitor information is collected or used.
Luminary Group LLC is the exclusive worldwide licensing representative of Mrs. Karen Brown Donovan, owner of the trademarks and right of publicity of Major Taylor. Major Taylor is a registered trademark.