twiw-horizontal-trans-150h
Is there a story you think we should be covering? Have a tip on something we should look at?
Contact Us

Major Taylor’s Life in Worcester Comes to the Big Screen

By Sam Bishop | July 29, 2022
Last Updated: July 29, 2022

WORCESTER – Over a century after being named the “World’s fastest man,” local filmmakers are bringing the story of Marshall “Major” Taylor to the big screen.

On Thursday night, the trailer for the film “Whirlwind: The Mayor Taylor Story” debuted at the Major Taylor Museum at the Courthouse Lofts on Main Street in downtown Worcester.

Originally growing up in Indiana, Taylor left his hometown to escape the racism of the South and moved to Worcester in 1895 where he gained the title, the “Worcester Whirlwind.” Taylor eventually won the gold medal for cycling at the world championship in Montreal only four years later.

July 29, 2022
Director Cyrille Vincent address the crowd during Thursday’s screening/Sam Bishop for ThisWeekinWorcester.com

The screening for the trailer featured a lineup of speakers that included local poets, historians and cycling enthusiasts who spoke about the importance of Taylor’s legacy.

“I only first learned about Major Taylor when I saw the statue of him in front of the Worcester Library.” the film’s director, Cyrille Vincent, said. “After learning his story, I asked myself why hasn’t this been made into a film and decided that it would be my mission to do just that.”

They also held a raffle to commemorate the event with gift bags, gasoline gift cards and a Bridgestone road bicycle.

For more about “Whirlwind: The Major Taylor Story,” click here.

 

Lead image: Thursday’s screening of “Whirlwind: The Major Taylor Story”/Sam Bishop for ThisWeekinWorcester.com

Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you!