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On the cover of the June 2, 2025, issue, artist Kadir Nelson imagined Marshall W. (Major) Taylor leading a column of cyclists from the past and present. “I sought to honor the most famous cyclist of the 19th century—the first African-American superstar in any sport—and the remarkable six-day indoor cycling race held in 1896 at the Madison Square Garden Velodrome where Taylor competed,” Nelson noted. While Taylor was revered in his day as the “fastest man in the world,” he also faced considerable racism and aggression throughout his career; he was once knocked off his bike and nearly choked to death by a white rider. In December 2023, a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives to award Taylor a Congressional Gold Medal.
More bike covers can be seen below:
“June 16, 1928” by Julian de Misky
“March 9, 1929” by Theodore G. Haupt
Sourse: newyorker.com
