They Rode to Victory

Under the institution of Slavery, African people were far more advanced than most people would believe. African people were skilled artisans, orators, preachers, politicians, and athletes. After the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, the Period of Reconstruction began and for the next 13 years African Americans moved quickly to become major players in American society.

In the month of May in the year 1875, at a place then called, the Louisville Jockey Club, 10,000 racing fans watched as 15 jockeys (14 of them Black) on horseback approached a line that was drawn in the track dirt. A drum was tapped to signal the race was on, while at the same time a red flag was lowered for the timekeepers to click their watches. Two minutes, 37 and three-quarter seconds later, Black jockey Oliver Lewis, aboard a chestnut mount named Aristides, thundered across the finish line and into horse racing history. There is a grand statue of Aristides at the place now called Churchill Downs at the Louisville, Kentucky race track. Where is the statue of Oliver Lewis?

African American men such as William (Billy) Walker, George Lewis, Babe Hurd, Isaac (the Colored Archer) Murphy, Erksine Henderson, Isaac Lewis, Alonzo (Lonnie) Clayton, James (Soup) Perkins, Willie Simms and Jimmy (The Wink) Winkfield were uttered throughout horse racing circles. Has Isaac Murphy?s winning percentage of 44% established by his retirement in 1892 ever been equaled? Why, by 1902, did Black jockeys leave or get pushed out of the most prestigious sport in United States history? Why do so many African American children and others not know about these men and that triumphant period? Why are our children so disconnected with the accomplishments of many of their ancestors?

1,000 horse riders will gather in Louisville, Kentucky during the Memorial Day weekend of 2011 to participate in the National Day of the Black Jockey Event.  These riders will have one mission in common…To lead by example…

Shortly after the 2011 National Day of the Black Jockey event, a cross curriculum course of study will be available to disseminate to educational institutions around the country. These lesson plans will enrich current curriculums while rejuvenating the self esteem and self worth in African American children as they emotionally and intellectually identify and re-connect with historical facts and figures.