Frank X Walker on Black Jockeys From Isaac Murphy to Kevin Krigger

Gabe Bullard — Sat, 04 May 2013 15:00:00 +0000

In today's Kentucky Derby, jockey Kevin Krigger will have a chance to become the first African-American jockey to win the Derby since 1902. African-American jockeys were dominant in the Derby's formative years. Most of the jockeys in the first Derby were black, including the winner.

One of the most legendary African-American jockeys was Isaac Murphy. Murphy rode to victory in three Kentucky Derby races and is considered one of the best jockeys of all time. Murphy is the subject of a collection of poems by Kentucky Poet Laureate Frank X. Walker.

Southern Baptists Elect First Black President

Gabe Bullard — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 21:37:24 +0000

The Southern Baptist Convention has elected Fred Luter as its new president, making Luter the first African-American to lead the 167-year-old denomination.

From the AP:

The Rev. Fred Luter Jr. was elected president of the nation's largest Protestant denomination on Tuesday at its annual meeting. He is the pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans.
The historic move comes as the denomination tries to expand its appeal beyond its traditional white Southern base. Membership and baptisms have been generally declining in recent years.