KEEP Recognizes African American Horsemen

In honor of Black History Month, Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) Foundation is proud to offer this limited edition "The Color of Silk" print. 

This print commemorates the Jockey Silks Art Project featuring the racing silks worn by African American jockeys who won 16 Kentucky Derby (G1) races held from 1875 to 1902. Nine of the jockeys were born in Kentucky. Seven of the thoroughbreds they rode were trained by African Americans. 

Thoroughbred racing in Kentucky is rich in history with African American horsemen. From grooms to trainers to the most successful jockeys of the 19th century, African Americans are part of our story.  

On Feb. 23, at KEEP Day at the capitol in Frankfort, the KEEP Foundation will recognize the contribution of African American horsemen to our industry and honor their legacy by presenting our African American legislators with a "The Color of Silk" print. 

"The Color of Silk" is a product of a living and learning community at the University of Kentucky, LEXengaged, that brought together William Wells Brown students and UK undergraduates to learn, via art, about the contributions African Americans have made to our state's premier industry. The poster is inscribed with the rich history and the moving process that created it.

"William Wells Brown students would cheer with delight when we arrived at their school, saying together, 'UK, UK,' '' said Rosie Moosnick, former LEXengaged program director. "Some of my UK students saw themselves in their young mentees, including a first-generation UK student who would run to William Wells Brown, on her own time, to dispense tough love to her mentee so that he would end up in college like her."

Artist Julie Struck worked with students from the University of Kentucky and William Wells Brown Elementary, which stands on the land that was formerly the Kentucky Association Racetrack. Many of the jockeys featured in this project lived and worked in that area.   

The print is available for $50 (postage included), with all net proceeds going to William Wells Brown Elementary. 

To learn more about The Jockey Silks Project, click HERE.

To learn more about the African American jockeys who won the Kentucky Derby, click HERE.

To order a limited edition "The Color of Silks" print, email brittany@horseswork.com.