First African-American world champion cyclist receives mural in his honor

Jackson Ward honors the worlds first African-American world champion cyclist with a colorful mural located on the corners of North 1st and East Marshall Streets.

September 5, 2015; 10:16 AM • by Anthony Nesossis

Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor mural by Sir James Thornhill

Most murals are creations of deep conceptual meaning, pop culture relevance or simple expressions of creative flight. Jackson Ward honors the worlds first African-American world champion cyclist with a colorful mural located on the corners of North 1st and East Marshall Streets.

The project was crafted by muralist, Sir James Thornhill, native of Jackson Ward. The mural itself makes a timely arrival as Richmond plays hosts to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Road World Championships, taking place September 19-27, 2015.

Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was an African-American cyclist born in 1878. A fierce competitor, a well traveled man, and an inspiration to all African-American communities, Taylor’s remains lie in Mount Glenwood Cemetery in Thornton Township, Illinois. A memorial stands in Worcester, Massachusetts, in memory of Marshall Taylor.