via unstrippedvoice.comThe first Kentucky Derby race occurred in 1875, making it the oldest continuously run sporting event in America. Black jockeys were black America’s first sports stars, winning 15 of the first 28 races of the Derby. Black jockeys dominated horse racing in the emancipation period. The white jockeys further beat the Black jockeys causing serious injuries as well as deaths. The Black jockeys earned significant sums from racing till they were kicked out of the sport they helped make popular.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 06, 2020 19:30 UTC