Today is the one hundred and twenty second annual Kentucky Derby race. The race has changed dramatically since its beginnings in 1875. Perhaps the most surprising change is the demographics of the jockeys. Horse racing was once dominated by African Americans. In fact, the first Kentucky Derby included 14 black jockeys in a 15 jockey lineup. And some of the longest standing jockey records are held by early African American jockeys. Daniel talks with author Jo Cavallo (kuh-VAHL-lo) about the history of African American jockeys who have been almost completely forgotten. Cavallo wrote an article on the topic in the spring issue of American Legacy magazine called "The Day of the Black Jockey."
Copyright 1996 NPR
