Join us as we honor Marshall "Major" Taylor!
Distinguished Hoosier Award Ceremony on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.
Dear neighbor,
I would like to invite you to a special ceremony to honor Marshall “Major” Taylor, the legendary bicycle racer, civil rights pioneer, and trailblazing historical figure from Indianapolis. At this ceremony, we will proudly present Major Taylor with the Distinguished Hoosier Award, a posthumous tribute to his enduring legacy.
The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 pm (EST) (Indiana Statehouse Rotunda, 200 W. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46202). Accepting this honor on his behalf will be his great-granddaughter, Karen Brown Donovan, who will be traveling from Hawaii to join us for this special occasion.
It’s important that we honor and remember Major Taylor’s trailblazing career. Taylor’s first adventure into biking was at 13 when a local shop hired him to perform stunts outside. This is likely where he got the nickname “Major” since he often performed in a military uniform. Taylor began competing in sprint and long-distance races in Indianapolis, and he was competing in national races by 17. He became the first Black American to win a world championship in any sport in 1899. Major Taylor held a total of seven world records with his one-mile record lasting for 28 years.
His legacy is a testament to willpower, grit and bravery in the face of prejudice. Taylor is world-renowned for breaking down barriers for Black athletes during the Jim Crowe era. One of my favorite Major Taylor quotes is “I was a pioneer, and therefore I had to blaze my own trail.”
I hope you will join me in celebrating Major Taylor’s life and achievements. The presence of our community would add to the significance of this gathering as we honor a true champion of resilience and courage.
In service,
State Rep. Gregory W. Porter
