MAJOR TAYLOR, best book, movie, & SITES

10/16/2022

Major Taylor (1878-1932) was the first Black International world sports champion. He was an amazing highly skilled bicycle rider who won the world championship during the early 20th century in spite of facing extreme racial bigotry and violence.

Born on November 26, 1878, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Taylor became a professional cyclist at age 22 and won his first sprint race against white riders within two years. In 1906 he won three out of four races at Madison Square Garden in New York City and set a record for speed that stood for 25 years. When he retired from cycling after World War I (1914-1918), he coached young athletes at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) in Alabama until his death of pneumonia on November 30, 1932.

Taylor describes his entry into the sport as, "an accident, pure and simple." Curiosity led him to observe a bicycle race at the tender age of 13. He'd recently left his job delivering newspapers to work in an Indianapolis bicycle shop doing light cleaning and acrobatic stunts on his bike to lure in potential customers. Taylor had taught himself the impressive tricks that drew large crowds.

Taylor literally started off as a champion in his very first bicycle race when the shop's owner, Mr. Hay, insisted that he take his position on the starting line. Though scared and crying, Mr. Hay consoled him by saying he didn't have to finish and to return to the start whenever he chose. Taylor mustered up his nerve and went flying after the starting pistol fired. Close to the finish line, Mr. Hay coaxed him on again by dangling the winning golden medal in his view. Taylor credits this site of the medal and the encouragement received from Hay at that moment boosted his confidence and spurred him onto the finish line. He details that when he saw the medal at that particular point in the race, it reminded him of the times he'd strutted around with it pinned to his lapel in the shop and pretended it was his own.

What better way to learn about someone than from their own words. Taylor weaves together each race with meticulous detail bringing the reader to the edge of the track to experience everything from the weather on the day of the race, the audience temperament, physical condition, and racist tactics used against him along the way. In many instances it left me exhausted to make it through to the finish line with the rest of the racers yards and ofttimes track lengths behind him.

Taylor was called by reporters of the time, the:

"Dusky Streak,"
"Colored cyclone,"
"Dusky Whirlwind,"
"Colored Marvel,"

to name a few. His speed was, "like a flash of gunpowder," when whipping around his opponents. Though I wished there was video of him at some of the competitions, he paints such a vivid picture the reader has a small gap to fill in their own minds.

Afriware Books, Co is proud to re-print Taylor's harrowing and courageous tale of this brilliant and skillful champion. Taylor's autobiography drew particular interest when reading that the main reason he wrote it though close to penniless prior to his death, he wanted his story to be an example to other Black people of what was possible. He said,

"I am writing my memoirs, however, in the spirit calculated to solicit simple justice, equal rights, and a square deal for the posterity of my down-trodden but brave people, not only in athletic games and sports, but in every honorable game of human endeavor."
- Major Taylor, "The fastest Bicycle Rider in the World"

Major Taylor survives a Brazen Attack on his life

Taylor was constantly shut out of races by white cyclists who did not want to compete against him due to their racist ideology, and he was threatened with violence if he did not leave the track. In addition to bodily harm he was also cheated out of being able to access higher prize money. Taylor states, "....my entry had been refused by all southern promoters" and "...I found that the color prejudice was not confined to the South entirely, in fact it had asserted itself against me even in and around Boston when he was choked by a rider named W. E. Becker. Yes, it's true, read all about it in his book, "The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World".

Probably one of his most disturbing and distressing experiences Taylor describes was when he was choked by a sore loser for second place in the match and was out cold for 15 minutes. What he describes is extremely disturbing,

"Just after we had crossed the tape Becker wheeled up and hurled me to the ground. He then started to choke me, but the police interferred. It was fifteen minutes before I regained consciousness.... the judges disqualifed Becker, and ordered the race re-run, but I was too badly injured to start."
- Major Taylor, "The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World"

Major Taylor Famous "Jump" Described in Detail

To combat some of the nefarious tactics practiced against him, he became known for a strategic move called, "The Jump." He described how the ill intentioned cyclists would gang up against him and form a "pocket" to prevent him from racing around them and leaving them in the dust. It is riveting to read Taylor's account when he describes the details of how the "pocket" is formed and how he gets out of it... I won't give the details away here. To entice the reader forward, however, I'll give a teaser in how Don Walker, his strongest competitor in Sydney, Australia in the early 1900's describes the experience, "I was watching him closely and was all ready for him, and expecting him to jump every moment, but when Bob Lewis got going on the inside, Taylor was gone like a flash of gunpower. Before I could attempt to hold him, he had two lengths on me."

I will pivot now to point out a few miscellaneous extras beyond Taylor's book to round out your research about Major Taylor. This is a mix about a recent find analyzed by you can visit to fill out your knowledge about Major Taylor.

Major Taylor writes to another Black cyclist about his travels

Some of Major Taylor's Letters reside at the American Antiquarian Society. The source is a Youtube video posted in 2022 called, "Major Taylor Writes Home - Letters to Worcester, 1897."

Letters written by Major Taylor were donated in 2020 to the American Antiquarian Society, a National Research Library in Worcester. He wrote to Benjamin Walker, a Charter member of the Albion Cycle Club according to research recently uncovered by the Major Taylor Association. The Albion Cycle Club was established "by and for Black bicycle riders" in 1895. It is interesting to note that a simple Google search reveals that the term "Albion" translates to "white land," and the cycling clubs that are shown do not show any Black members in their pictures online, but that sounds like some material for further investigation.

Once again in listening to the reading of excerpts from his letters was fascinating. His composure and upbeat temperament in spite of adversities was otherworldly. He had every reason to be angry, spiteful and vindictive, but instead made sure to offer only good tidings to his family members. His faith, and steadfast devotion, and sportsmanship were a model for all to examine and measure up to. Knowing about the content in the letters when analyzed alongside his life story shows the upstanding and dignified nature of this remarkable man.

MAJOR TAYLOR MOVIE

I was honored to speak with the Executive Director and Film Producer over a zoom call for interested film ambassadors in November. The name of the film that's in production is, "Whirlwind - The Story of Major Taylor World Bicycling Champion." I am excited to share that the trailer for the film will be released on Major Taylor's birthday 11/26/22. On or after that date, visit this link to view it: https://www.worcesterwhirlwind.com/pay-it-foward-whirlwind-film-documentary. Afriware will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book, "The Autobiography of Major Taylor" to their non-profit to complete the film.

Major Taylor Sites

Major Taylor Velodrome (Bicycle Race Track) in Indianapolis, IN

Who would've known that 90+ years after a "young colored boy" was permanently barred from competing on any race track in Indianapolis, IN due to racial prejudice, that a multi-million dollar velodrome would be constructed in his honor in the same city? The Major Taylor Velodrome is the stunning symbolic representation of the unbeatable power and determination of a Black 14 year old. Major Taylor was barred in 1892 and the Major Taylor Velodrome was constructed in 1982. The splendid irony of this achievement is "off the [bike] chain," pun intended.

The programming here offers competitions for state and national championships, and is a must visit. I've since learned that there are a 21 states with velodromes in the country. Illinois had two at one time, but the one on the South Side of Chicago has been closed for a few years after a group tried to raise money to bring youth programming in. That sounded like a great idea, and I do hope at some point the initiative is taken back up. This would be a beacon for the young people of the area, AND Major Taylor's legacy would be a great inspiration to spur it on. This bike shop owner explains the initiative here on his video called, "SOUTH CHICAGO VELODROME ASSOCIATION."

Major Taylor Exhibit at Indiana State Museum 2022

March 5 through October 23, 2022. Here is the website: https://www.indianamuseum.org/experiences/major-taylor-fastest-cyclist-in-the-world/. I visited the exhibit on 10/12/22 and enjoyed the lifesized photos, awards and letters that brought his story closer. One of the bikes he owned was even on display. There was a section that allowed visitors to try to outrace Taylor by simulating a ride with him while pedaling fiercely to keep up with his online body double. I do hope the exhibit travels around the country at some point.

Major Taylor headstone located in Glenwood, IL.

Want to Find Out More?

As always, I appreciate that you have read through this blog post. I hope that you’ve become curious to read more books about Major Taylor, and other Black Sports figures. I invite you to read our related blog about "...Sports BLM Edition." We ask that you consider purchasing your books from our Black owned bookstore, Afriware Books, Co. If there is a title you’d like to purchase that is not mentioned here, or could not be found on the website, feel free to email us at: [email protected]