In 1899, Marshall "Major" Taylor, who was born and raised in Indianapolis, became the first African American world-champion professional cyclist. He was also the U.S. sprint champion in 1899 and 1900, and became a pioneering role model for other athletes facing racial discrimination.
The Arts Council identified Major Taylor as the first Bicentennial Legends portrait mural subject in partnership with the Major Taylor Coalition, an informal group of Central Indiana residents who are passionate about seeing Taylor honored in his hometown.
The mural will be installed in 2021 on the Barnes & Thornburg building, 11 S. Meridian St. Lead funding support is provided by the City of Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission, Barnes & Thornburg, Glick Philanthropies, the CIBA Foundation, and public donations to the Major Taylor Coalition, matched by SRAM Corporation.
Visit the Major Taylor project page.
Image courtesy of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites.