Dr. Quintard Taylor, the esteemed historian, educator, and founder of BlackPast.org, died peacefully on Sept. 21 in Houston, Texas. He was 76.
Dr. Taylor launched BlackPast in 2007 with a vision to make African American and global African history freely accessible to the public. Under his leadership, the nonprofit became the world’s largest online encyclopedia dedicated to Black history, engaging more than 64 million users since its founding. A longtime champion of equity, inclusion, and education, Dr. Taylor’s work helped preserve and amplify Black stories across generations.
“His work will live on in the minds of those who have learned from him and will continue to light the way for those who seek a better understanding of the world,” said Douglas Bender, board president of BlackPast. “Personally, I’m forever grateful that he was my brother and my friend…and allowed me the incredible opportunity to share in the work that lifted his vision. It has been a joy…and it is not done.”
Born in Brownsville, Tennessee, Dr. Taylor earned his bachelor’s degree in history from St. Augustine College and both his M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. His nearly 50-year career in academia included teaching at California Polytechnic State University (1977–1990), the University of Oregon (1990–1999), and the University of Washington (1999–2018), where he served as the Scott and Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History.
A prolific author, Dr. Taylor’s work focused on African Americans in the American West. His notable publications include In Search of the Racial Frontier: African Americans in the American West, 1528–1990—a Pulitzer Prize nominee—and The Forging of a Black Community: A History of Seattle’s Central District, 1870 through the Civil Rights Era. He received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Pacific Northwest Historians Guild and the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award from the National Education Association and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
“This is a profound and deeply personal loss for me and for the entire BlackPast team,” said Dr. Quin’Nita Cobbins-Modica, a former executive director of the organization and now vice president of its board. “Dr. Taylor was more than a mentor and advisor, but also a dear friend and unwavering champion of my work. For more than a decade, I walked alongside him as he built BlackPast from a few entries into the largest and most reputable global digital resource on African American and African diasporic history.”
She added, “His impact and legacy are immeasurable. I, along with everyone at BP, are committed to honoring this sacred trust of carrying forward Dr. Taylor’s vision to ensure that Black history remains accessible for generations to come.”
BlackPast.org has expressed its deep condolences to Dr. Taylor’s family and loved ones. The organization pledged to continue his mission, especially at a time when preserving Black history is increasingly vital.
Information about a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BlackPast.org. To learn more about Dr. Taylor’s legacy or support the organization, visit www.BlackPast.org
