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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: [email protected]
Date: September 22, 2025
BlackPast.org Announces with Profound Sadness the Passing of Founder Dr. Quintard Taylor
SEATTLE, WA – It is with deep sorrow that BlackPast.org announces the passing of its founder, Dr. Quintard Taylor, who died peacefully on September 21, 2025, at the age of 77 in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Quintard Taylor was not just a historian; he was a beacon of knowledge and understanding, whose influence reached far beyond the confines of academia. As the founder of BlackPast.org, a nonprofit intended to make Black history accessible to everyone, he paved the way for millions to connect with their heritage. Since its inception in 2007, BlackPast.org has grown into the largest online encyclopedia of Black history, engaging over 64 million users worldwide. Dr. Taylor’s vision was clear: to create an ungated resource that offered accurate information about African American history and global African history, fostering equity and inclusion.
Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, Dr. Taylor pursued a path of academic excellence, earning a B.A. in history from St. Augustine College, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. His nearly fifty-year teaching career was marked by dedication and passion, significantly impacting countless students. He held esteemed positions at California Polytechnic State University, the University of Oregon, and culminated his teaching career as the Scott and Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History at the University of Washington from 1999 to 2018. He was especially recognized for his prolific contributions to the understanding of African Americans in the American West.
Among his notable works is the Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, In Search of the Racial Frontier: African Americans in the American West, 1528-1990, which has become a cornerstone for those exploring this often-overlooked aspect of history. His 1994 book, The Forging of a Black Community: A History of Seattle’s Central District, 1870 through the Civil Rights Era, further showcases his commitment to chronicling the rich tapestry of Black experiences in America.
Dr. Taylor’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed; he received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild and the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award from the National Education Association. These recognition reflect his deep-seated belief that history serves as a vital tool for understanding and empowerment.
BlackPast.org’s board president, Douglas Bender, shared poignant words about Dr. Taylor’s impact: “I want to thank Quintard for his extraordinary contributions to the study of history… His work will live on in the minds of those who have learned from him.” Bender’s reflections resonate with many who recognized Dr. Taylor not just as an educator but also as a personal mentor and friend, continuously inspiring future historians.
One of his former doctoral students, Dr. Quin’Nita Cobbins-Modica, encapsulated the profound impact Dr. Taylor had on her life and career. Serving as vice president of the BlackPast.org board and an Assistant Professor of History at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Dr. Cobbins-Modica expressed her deep sense of loss but also a commitment to honor his legacy. “Dr. Taylor was more than a mentor… His impact and legacy are immeasurable. I, along with everyone at BP, are committed to carrying forward Dr. Taylor’s vision to ensure that Black history remains accessible for generations to come.”
In this time of mourning, BlackPast.org extends heartfelt condolences to Dr. Taylor’s family and loved ones. His unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusion will continue to guide the organization in its mission to preserve Black history, especially as these narratives face increasing challenges of erasure.
For those wishing to learn more about Dr. Taylor’s extraordinary life and contributions, or to support BlackPast.org, please visit www.BlackPast.org. Information about a memorial service will be shared in due course, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the continuing work of BlackPast.org.
About BlackPast.org
BlackPast.org stands as a pivotal nonprofit organization dedicated to offering reliable, comprehensive information about African American history and the history of people of African ancestry worldwide. With over 8,000 entries contributed by nearly 1,000 scholars and community members, BlackPast.org is recognized as one of the leading digital platforms for Black historical education globally.