A celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Quintard Taylor Jr., a pioneering scholar and founder of BlackPast.org, will be held this Saturday, February 7, at 3 p.m. at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, located at 19300 108th Avenue Southeast in Kent, Washington. The event, titled A Celebration of Life & A Commemoration of Black History, is free and open to the public.
Dr. Taylor, who passed away in September 2025, was a renowned historian, educator, author, and Fulbright Scholar. He was widely recognized as a leading voice in the study of African American history, particularly in the American West. Over the course of his career, he authored more than half a dozen books and mentored generations of students and historians. He often said that his own personal story was deeply entwined with Black history. The grandson of people once enslaved and the son of sharecropping parents, he believed deeply in the power of education and historical knowledge to shape lives and communities.
In 2004, Dr. Taylor founded BlackPast.org as an extension of his university classroom. What began as a project between professor and students quickly expanded into what is now the largest and most widely used online encyclopedia dedicated to African American and global Black history. The website has become an invaluable resource for students, teachers, scholars, and the general public around the world. As BlackPast.org nears its 20th anniversary, the event will also celebrate the enduring impact of the organization’s mission and future.
The program begins at 3 p.m. with a performance by Adefua Cultural Drumming and Dance, followed by musical selections from the New Beginnings Mass Choir. Guests will also hear messages from faith leaders and community voices, including The Honorable Denny Heck, Lieutenant Governor of Washington State. Reflections will focus on Dr. Taylor’s scholarship, mentorship, and lifelong devotion to documenting Black history.
Throughout the event, attendees will be invited to view displays of Dr. Taylor’s published works and books. There will also be interactive booths hosted by Estelita’s Library, Unspoken Truths Traveling African American Museum, and the University of Washington, where visitors can engage with educational materials and explore the historical topics that defined Dr. Taylor’s legacy.
Community members are encouraged to sign a guest book and share written reflections or favorite memories of Dr. Taylor. Organizers emphasize that this celebration is meant to be participatory, honoring not only the accomplishments of Dr. Taylor but also the countless lives he touched through his teaching, writing, and vision.
