Kentucky Derby: How African American dominance was derailed
On May 2nd the 135th Kentucky Derby concluded. This one of the biggest sports spectacles in the world. Race horse Mind That Bird won the race despite being a 50-1 underdog. As many African Americans were watching Kobe Bryant and LeBron James continue their journey towards a showdown in the finals I was thinking about the Kentucky Derby. I’m one who attempts to look beyond the obvious to secure deeper significance. Like usual I came up with following. Did you know 20 years after the Emancipation Proclamation African Americans dominated Americas’ first favorite pastime? Back in the day the Kentucky Derby was like the Super Bowl today. It was the marquee sporting event of the day. In 1875 the inaugural Kentucky Derby was won by 19-year old African American Oliver Lewis while sitting atop Aristides. Also, 13 of the 15 riders were African American. Matter of fact of the first 28 Kentucky Derby’s run 15 races was won by African American riders. The great Isaac Murphy was the first jockey to ...