Rep. Jackson Introduces Bipartisan Bill, The Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act

Rep. Jonathan Jackson
Rep. Jonathan Jackson

 

Rep. Jackson Introduces Bipartisan Bill, The Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act

Major Taylor Was America's First Black Sports Star

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL-01) and Jim Baird (R-IN-04) led 32 of their colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Marshall “Major” Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act. This legislation would posthumously award a Congressional Gold Medal to Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor — America's first Black sports star, but someone many have never heard of — in recognition of his significance to the nation as a trailblazing athlete.

Taylor managed to become the first African American world champion in any sport and earned the title of “world’s fastest man” despite the extraordinary challenges of the Jim Crow era. He endured attempts by white promoters in both the North and South to exclude him from races. White riders, too, subjected Taylor to curses, insults, and even physical harm during competitions. Despite these adversities, Taylor's exceptional talent and tenacity turned him into a sensation, drawing tens of thousands at races across the United States, Europe, and Australia.

"It is without question that Marshall 'Major' Taylor was a man before his time, a stellar athlete, a leader in the field of cycling, and a trailblazer," said Rep. Jackson. "I believe it is fitting that Congress award the 'world's fastest man' one of our nation’s most prestigious honors."

"Even when compared to today's athletes, Marshall 'Major' Taylor is among the greatest cyclists of all time," said Rep. Baird. "His accomplishments are especially impressive considering the challenges he faced on his climb to cycling greatness. Marshall Taylor is one of the greatest athletes in Indiana history, and I can think of no one better suited to receive the Congressional Gold Medal."

"Marshall W. 'Major' Taylor challenged both the odds and the adversity of his time with dignity and determination, and he went on to ultimately triumph," said Karen Brown Donovan, the great-granddaughter of Major Taylor. "The awarding of a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal would be a significant achievement towards honoring his life and legacy."

Supporting Individuals and Groups

Co-lead: Jim Baird (R-IN-04)

Original Cosponsors (32 total): Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), André Carson (D-IN-07), Henry “Hank” Johnson (D-GA-04), Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Eleanor Holmes-Norton (D-DC), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Earl Blumenauer (D-WA-03), James McGovern (D-MA-02), David Scott (D-GA-13), Gwen Moore (D-WI-04), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX-18), Mike Thompson (D-CA-04), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX-30), Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07), Alma Adams (D-NC-12), Al Green (D-TX-09), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI-12), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL-20), Chuy Garcia (D-IL-04), David Trone (D-MD-06), Ann Kuster (D-NH-02), John Duarte (R-CA-13), Frederica Wilson (D-FL-24), Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23), Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06), Ted Lieu (D-CA-36), Maxwell Frost (D-FL-10), Joe Wilson (R-SC-02).

Supporting Organizations: Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., Major Taylor Association, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, League of American Bicyclists, ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach, and Black Girls Do Bike, Inc.

"For Taylor to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the U. S. Congress, would finally recognize and acknowledge the astounding achievement by an African American professional cyclist during the Jim Crow Era of the early 20th century," said John Adams, Founder and Executive Director, the Bronzeville Trail Task Force, Inc., a Chicago non-profit that launched its Major Taylor Initiative in January 2023 to advocate for Taylor to receive civic recognition that was long overdue. "Taylor became world champion and was known as the world’s fastest man. We are honored to lead this effort and thankful that so many have joined us in seeking this recognition and elevating him to his rightful place in the U.S. sports and civil rights history."

"As a barrier-breaking athlete, an advocate for racial equality and fairness, an exemplar of good sportsmanship, and a paragon of human dignity, Major Taylor earned global fame in his lifetime but didn't always get the national recognition he deserved," said Lynne Tolman, President, Major Taylor Association, Inc. "A posthumous Congressional Gold Medal will cement his place in U.S. history."

"Major Taylor is one of the greatest athletes to have ever lived, but his greatness as a pioneering athlete has never been fully recognized," said Hector J. Garcia, Jr., Executive Director of the ADD Impact Network & Bike to the Beach. "At a time of deep divisions and partisanship, I applaud this bipartisan group of Members of Congress for working to rectify this oversight and look forward to the day when the Marshall "Major" Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act passes into law."

"I wholeheartedly endorse the 'Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor Congressional Gold Medal Act," said Monica Garrison, Founder and Executive Director Black Girls Do Bike, Inc. "'Major' Taylor was not just a remarkable athlete but a true trailblazer and advocate who shattered racial barriers in the world of cycling. This bill rightly recognizes his historic significance and contributions to our nation. I commend Rep. Jackson for his efforts in championing this cause and urge all to support the bill, ensuring that Major Taylor's legacy continues to inspire generations to come."

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