Quintard Taylor: Champion of African American History
Quintard Taylor Jr. was a towering figure in American historical scholarship, particularly noted for his focus on African American history and the American West. His life and work have left an indelible mark on both academia and the public understanding of Black history in the United States.
Early Life and Education
Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, in 1948, Taylor grew up in a community steeped in both cultural richness and historical significance. From an early age, he exhibited an interest in African American history, which was further nurtured during his time at George Washington Carver High School. His educational journey took him to St. Augustine’s College, where he obtained a B.A. in American history in 1969. His academic pursuits only deepened his commitment to the field, leading him to the University of Minnesota for his M.A. and Ph.D. in American history, where he was mentored by the esteemed historian Allan Spear.
Career Milestones: Teaching and Scholarship
Taylor’s professional journey began at Washington State University, where he delved into Black Studies. A pivotal encounter with a student named Billy Ray Flowers sparked his passion for uncovering the African American experience in the American West. This moment solidified Taylor’s commitment to unearthing the rich historical narrative of Black individuals in the western United States.
Over the years, he held faculty positions at notable institutions including California Polytechnic State University and the University of Oregon. His tenure as the Scott and Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History at the University of Washington was particularly significant. Taylor retired as professor emeritus in 2018 but not before contributing extensively to the field, editing more than a dozen books and authoring numerous articles, including pivotal works such as In Search of the Racial Frontier: African Americans in the American West, 1528–1990, which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
Digital Pioneer and BlackPast.org
In the early 2000s, Taylor recognized the potential for digital platforms to democratize access to historical knowledge. This led him to launch BlackPast.org in 2007, an ambitious endeavor that aimed to provide open-access scholarly resources on African American history. Under his guidance, the site has grown to nearly 9,000 entries and has garnered over 60 million visits worldwide by 2025. BlackPast.org not only serves as an encyclopedia but also as a vital resource for educators, students, and anyone interested in the vast and complex narrative of Black history.
Impactful Publications and Lectures
Taylor’s scholarship extended far beyond conventional academic articles. He authored significant works such as The Forging of a Black Community: Seattle’s Central District from 1870 through the Civil Rights Era and Seeking El Dorado: African Americans in California: 1769-1997. His public intellectualism was reflected in his willingness to share his knowledge through more than 300 public lectures and appearances in documentaries, such as Kevin Costner’s The West. His commitment to educating the public about African American history made him a sought-after speaker and consultant, influencing numerous projects, including the Smithsonian Institution’s “A Quest for Freedom: African Americans in the West.”
Recognition and Legacy
Quintard Taylor’s leadership and contributions to the field of history have been widely recognized. He made history himself by becoming the first Black president of the Western Historical Association in 2011. His accolades include the Carter G. Woodson Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild, among others. Such honors reflect his dedication to not only advancing academic scholarship but also fostering a greater understanding of African American history in the broader narrative of American history.
Personal Life
Taylor’s scholarly pursuits were accompanied by a fulfilling personal life. He is survived by his wife, Phylisha Agbor-Taylor, and their children, Quintard III, William, and Jamila, who continues the family legacy of public service as a member of the Washington State Legislature. His contributions to academia and public discourse have created a lasting impact, ensuring that the stories and experiences of African Americans in the West remain an integral part of American history.
Through his scholarship, advocacy, and innovative use of technology, Quintard Taylor stands as a guiding light in the ongoing exploration of African American experiences and the essential narratives that shape our understanding of the American West.