American Historical Ephemera and Photography

1 1/4 in. diameter pinback button (some fading, staining to edges). Printed paper label on reverse side describing the event, which occurred on 17 June 1898 at Charles River Park (some soiling and loss to label). A scarce souvenir bicycle race pinback promoting the competition between Major Taylor and Eddie McDuffee as "Black Vs White."

Marshall Walter "Major" Taylor (1878-1932) is considered one of the most celebrated cyclists of his generation. He was raised in Indianapolis, IN, then moved to Worcester, MA, where he became a professional cyclist in 1896. Despite Taylor's abilities, the American Wheelman changed their bylaws to exclude African American cyclists from joining the league. Taylor was still permitted to compete in races but faced serious racism from competitors. Although he lost the 30-mile race to Eddie McDuffee at Charles River Park in Cambridge, MA, he went on to set various cycling spring records between 1898 and 1899. He also won the gold medal in the men's sprint at the 1899 ICA Track Cycling World Championships, making Taylor the first African American world champion in any sport.