On May 21st Worcester Public Library will unveil a statue installed in honor of the "Worcester Whirlwind", Major Taylor. Greg LeMond and Edwin Moses will be speaking.Taylor is indisputably a cycling hero and his life story is all the more poignant because he had to overcome terrible racism to achieve his success.
Taylor had a number of endorsement deals at the height of his career and a particular form of trussed bicycle has become associated with his name. When you see a bicycle with an extra top tube, impress your friends when you tell them Major Taylor's story, and also how he was the first athlete with paid endorsements.
In addition to being the second African American ever to win a world championship in any sport, and a true hero, I think he was a smart man. I try very hard to live his wisdom:
"Life is too short for a man to hold bitterness in his heart."
Marshall W. 'Major' Taylor
