A New Movie Tells the Untold Saga of Cycling Legend Major Taylor
A new documentary from WTIU Public Television out of Indianapolis, Indiana, explores the life and legacy of speed cycling champion, and civil rights activist, Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor. The film, Major Taylor: Champion of the Race is set to premiere Monday, February 26, 2024 at 8 p.m. on WTIU.
How to watch Major Taylor: Champion of the Race
WTIU Marketing Director Laura Baich said, “Anyone outside our viewing area can stream the premiere of the show through the PBS App or on our Major Taylor companion website. The program will also be available to watch on demand through the app or the website after the premiere.”
According to a press release, “Major Taylor: Champion of the Race is narrated by acclaimed mezzo-soprano opera singer Marietta Simpson, with Grammy-winning jazz musician Branford Marsalis reading passages from Major Taylor’s autobiography. Original music is composed and performed by Emmy-winning musical director Tyron Cooper.
“The documentary also includes interviews with ESPN’s Kevin Blackistone; Michael Kranish, a Washington Post writer and Taylor biographer; Richard Lapchick, president of the Institute of Sport and Social Justice; Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson (son of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson); three-time Olympic medalist Edwin Moses; ATP tennis star James Blake; Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame member Ann Meyers Drysdale; Bicycle Hall of Fame member and historian John Howard; plus many other insights from historians, archivists, social rights advocates, and Taylor family members.”
Who was Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor?
Born in Indianapolis in 1878, Taylor was called “the fastest man in the world” by reporters. His talent in cycling—the most popular and lucrative sport of the era—was celebrated by leading publications across the globe and by notable figures such as Booker T. Washington and Theodore Roosevelt.
Taylor not only won more than 20 world records on the track during his cycling career, he also worked off the track as a pioneer who fought for greater social opportunities for African Americans in the heart of Jim Crow America.
Major Taylor’s story continues to inspire people around the world. There’s an entire association with clubs throughout the U.S., in France, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Taiwan.
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