#theblackcyclone

More for the guidebook. The Major Taylor illo isn’t in the style the graphic novel is drawn, or a style I often work, but I’m trying to bridge the more big-head cartoony stuff with the need to render the bicycles and environments convincingly. The second spot is Taylor’s patron Louis “Birdie” Munger. It was under Munger’s tutelage that Taylor rose through the ranks from amateur to world champion. There’s not a lot of original Major Taylor art out there so I decided to post this on my Moteefe store. Available on shirts, bags and more. Check it out https://moteefe.com/store/fred-noland-illustrations link in bio. #blackexcellence #blackcyclist #worcesterwhirlwind #theblackcyclone #illustration #procreate #digitalart #digitalpainting #velodrome #majortaylor #birdiemunger #marshallmajortaylor #cyclingart #velo #steelisreal #buffalovelodrome #blackartistsofinstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CNVZlgMDAeZ/?igshid=jf2jk3lg77j7

Both the American and international press sensationalized his skin color, often referring to him as a "colored rider" and inviting spectators to watch him defeat other white cyclists. They gave him the nickname The Black Cyclone. This image is in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. Despite his fame and talent, Taylor was subject to intense racism and discrimination. He was barred from races, turned away from restaurants and hotels, and subjected to racist insults throughout his career. At one point he was banned from a track in his hometown of Indianapolis after defeating white cyclists (and breaking two world records in the process). #sablesouls #blackhistory #majortaylor #cycling #theblackcyclone