Black History Month offers a chance to uncover the stories of Black cyclcists that have not been traditionally told. VeloNews has done a great job profiling some remarkable Black cyclists, both historical and contemporary. Here are a few of these extraordinary cyclists they mention:
The Legends:
- Major Taylor: Perhaps the most well-known black cyclist, Taylor he is considered one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He won over 1,000 races during his career, including the 1899 ICA Track Cycling World Championship. (And he has Worcester roots!) (Documentary, Novel)
- Kittie Knox: This trailblazing activist, born in Cambridge and lived in Boston, broke barriers of both race and gender in the 1890s. (Article)
- Woody Hedspath: Labeled "Major Taylor Number Two," his racing prowess rivaled the top white cyclists in the early 1900s. (Article)
The Hidden Histories
- The US Army Bicycle Corps: Dubbed the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps, this all-Black cycling unit formed in 1896. (Article).
- Caribbean and NYC's First Black Olympians: Reconnect with the legacies of Herbie Francis, Oliver "Butch" Martin, and others who paved their way. (Article)
Carrying the Torch
- Henok Mulubrhan: Could this young Eritrean star make history with a 2024 Tour de France stage win? (Article)
These VeloNews stories are a starting point to keep the conversation going.
Why not also:
- Share Your Knowledge: Do you know about other Black cyclists, historical or current? Let us know and we'll highlight them on our Charles River Wheelers platforms!
- Build Connections: Are there ways CRW can support local riders from underrepresented backgrounds? Give us your ideas!
Celebrating Black History in cycling means recognizing the past, appreciating the present, and actively shaping a more inclusive future for our sport!
