Major Taylor - Major Taylor (1878-1932) Was an African American Cyclist Who Won the World One Mile Track Cycling Championship in 1899. He Set Numerous World Records during the 30 Years of Racing, and Was the First African American International Sports Star. The League of American Wheelmen, The Governing Body for Cyclists, Ruled in 1894 to Exclude Blacks from Membership, and Major Taylor Had to Fight Discrimination at Every Step of His Career. - Celebrate Peoples' History