Indiana Black Legislative Caucus honors Major Taylor

The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus honored Marshall “Major” Taylor with the Distinguished Hoosier Award on Nov. 19.

Taylor, famous for many accomplishments, is best known for becoming the first African American to win a world championship in cycling.

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), who backed the award, believes the honor is well-deserved.

“I think Indiana has a lot of unsung Black heroes who deserve to be recognized for the barriers they broke,” Porter said in a statement. “Taylor was only the second Black athlete to win a world championship in any sport, and he was a trailblazer in a non-traditional sport. His sprint times are still considered some of the fastest in the world. Growing up as a Black man in Indianapolis, Taylor was a testament to how far grit and willpower could take you. I am honored to posthumously present this award to Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor for his legendary impact on Indiana.”

Porter serves House District 96, the same neighborhood where Taylor lived.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) also shared fond words about the legendary cyclist.

“Taylor’s story is not just one of triumph on the racetrack, but of courage in the face of adversity,” Harris said. “He competed during a time when the color of his skin meant he was often excluded from competitions, subjected to harsh discrimination and even faced with threats of violence. Yet, despite the odds, Taylor’s will to succeed remained unshaken. He set more than 20 records and became an international superstar. But even more than his victories, it was his refusal to be silenced or sidelined that made him a true champion.”

Contact multi-media & senior sports reporter Noral Parham III at 317-762-7846. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news from the Indianapolis Recorder, click here.