WHEREAS, Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor (1878-1932) was a pioneering African American athlete who became the first Black American world champion in cycling in 1899, achieving international prominence; and,
WHEREAS, Major Taylor demonstrated extraordinary courage and perseverance throughout his career, overcoming racial hostility within American cycling to achieve the highest levels of athletic excellence; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor’s status as the “fastest man on a bike” made him one of America’s first international sports celebrities, preceding other Black athletic pioneers by decades and establishing a legacy of excellence against overwhelming odds; and,
WHEREAS, Michigan maintains meaningful connections to Taylor’s legacy through Detroit’s Lexus Velodrome, where young athletes train on the same type of track where Taylor competed, following in his wheel tracks toward athletic excellence; and,
WHEREAS, we encourage Michiganders to recognize that Major Taylor’s extraordinary achievements continue to inspire the vibrant diversity evident in Michigan’s cycling communities today and to embrace cycling as an activity that inherently welcomes, empowers, and celebrates participants from all backgrounds; and,
WHEREAS, Taylor’s life story provides invaluable educational opportunities for Michigan students, demonstrating not only perseverance and excellence in the face of adversity, but also the importance of advancing fairness, inclusion, and justice in athletics and beyond; and,
WHEREAS, on Major Taylor Day, we promote increased diversity in Michigan’s cycling community —and all athletics—which should be arenas of opportunity, respect, and acceptance, where every participant is valued and supported;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 15, 2025, as Major Taylor Day in Michigan.
