Major Taylor Association

Events and Activities

Feb. 26, 2024 PBS documentary
"Major Taylor: Champion of the Race" Indiana

A new documentary from WTIU Public Television, "Major Taylor: Champion of the Race," premiered Feb. 26, 2024, on WTIU, the PBS affiliate in Bloomington, Ind. The film was livestreamed at the same time via the PBS App and on YouTube.

The one-hour film can be viewed on YouTube, at Indiana Public Media, and at WTIU Documentaries, as well as via the PBS App and pbs.org. The film will be offered to PBS stations nationwide beginning in May.

The documentary explores the life and legacy of the fastest bicycle rider in the world at the turn of the 20th century, featuring interviews with noted historians, athletes, and social justice advocates. It is narrated by acclaimed mezzo-soprano opera singer Marietta Simpson, with Grammy-winning jazz musician Branford Marsalis reading passages from Major Taylor's autobiography. Original music is composed and performed by Emmy-winning musical director Tyron Cooper.

View the trailer.

In-person screenings

Feb. 29 - Indianapolis - followed by a panel discussion with producer Todd Gould, Butler University history professor Charlene Fletcher, Major Taylor Association president Lynne Tolman, and Major Taylor's great-granddaughter Karen Brown Donovan, moderated by Kisha Tandy of the Indiana State Museum

May 19 - Chicago - details to come

May 22 - Worcester, Mass. - 6 p.m., Worcester Public Library, followed by a panel discussion with Todd Gould, Karen Brown Donovan, Dart Adams and others

June 15 - Indianapolis - details to come