Tagged: Frank X Walker

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.

Danville native Frank X Walker made history last week when Governor Steve Beshear appointed him the next Kentucky poet laureate. Walker is the state’s first African American poet laureate, and at 51, he’s also the youngest.

Gov. Steve Beshear appointed poet Frank X Walker the 2013-14  Kentucky Poet Laureate today.