Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) joins with the global community of scholars, historians, educators, and alumni to mourn the passing of Dr. Quintard Taylor (December 11, 1948 – September 21, 2025), a truly distinguished class of 1969 alumnus whose life’s work elevated Black history, expanded access to knowledge, and inspired countless minds.

Dr. Taylor earned his B.A. in American History from Saint Augustine’s College (now university) in 1969 before pursuing graduate degrees (M.A., Ph.D.) in history at the University of Minnesota. Over a career spanning decades, he held professorships at institutions such as Washington State University, the University of Oregon, and the University of Washington, where he served as the Scott & Dorothy Bullitt Professor of American History and contributed transformative scholarship on African American experience in the American West.

In 2007, Dr. Taylor founded BlackPast.org, envisioning an ungated, reliable, and expansive digital resource to preserve and disseminate Black history. Under his leadership, the site evolved into the world’s leading online encyclopedia of African American and global African history, reaching tens of millions of users.   His scholarship included acclaimed works such as “The Forging of a Black Community: Seattle’s Central District” and “In Search of the Racial Frontier: African Americans in the American West,” among many others, that reshaped how historians—and the public—engage with the narrative of Black life in America.

“As a proud alumnus of Saint Augustine’s University, Dr. Taylor exemplified the power of education, scholarship, and courageous vision,” said Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim President of SAU. “His tireless commitment to making Black history accessible to all, his intellectual daring, and his love for truth will continue to guide us. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, his many mentees, and the entire BlackPast community.”

We celebrate Dr. Taylor’s legacy—not only as a historian but as a mentor, storyteller, and bridge between generations. He remained deeply committed to illuminating untold narratives and elevating the voices of often-marginalized figures in historical discourse. His life reminds us that knowledge and memory are bridges to justice and empowerment.

SAU encourages the university and broader communities to honor Dr. Taylor’s memory by visiting BlackPast.org, reflecting on his writings, and supporting efforts to sustain access to Black history education. May his legacy continue to bless future historians, students, and readers worldwide.

Click here to read the official announcement at Blackpast.org.