A Legacy in Stride: Honoring the Rich, Black History of the Kentucky Derby

It's that time of year again. Derby is coming! The iconic 150th Run for the Roses is set to take place at Churchill Downs this year. Though crowds will descend on Louisville from all over, Black attendance at the event will likely be minimal.

We've figured out why.

Over the course of the last one-and-a-half centuries, equestrian sports - particularly horse racing, have been whitewashed to a point where they no longer resemble the competitions our ancestors witnessed.

Few Black people realize just how rich and storied our history in the Kentucky Derby actually is. Allow us to enlighten you.

The Derby been #BlackAF.

Read on to look back at the past, see how Black owners and trainers are reclaiming Derby in the present, and why you should enjoy "the greatest two minutes in sports" in the future.

A Black Past: When African-Americans Dominated Horse Racing