1 minute read
Making a Difference
BLACK HORSEMEN
Te exhibit stretches from the 1850s until current times, including telling the more recent story of Kendrick Carmouche, a son and grandson of jockeys. Carmouche remembers being on a horse as early as the age of 7. He had his frst win on a horse conditioned by an African American trainer, and later he was part of a noteworthy 2017 Toboggan Stakes win at Aqueduct on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in which the Jamaican-born owners, Anthony and Gaston Grant, trainer Gaston Grant, and rider Carmouche were all Black. Presenting the trophy was Sentell Taylor Jr., an African American placing judge for more than 50 years.
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“It was just a really special moment and one of those kismet things where it all came together to tell a story,” said Ryder.
Ryder and Ferraro said they hope that the process of recording and sharing the many roles African Americans played historically and currently play in the horse racing industry provides an opportunity to consider the past with an eye to the future.
“Not just the contributions they made then and make now, but the lasting ripple efects of those contributions,” said Ferraro. “Our hope is that these stories motivate further conversations with community and industry stakeholders about ways to create opportunities for everyone who wants to be a part of this industry, whether on the backside or in the saddle or in farm or track management. Fortunately, this is one of several eforts underway to chronicle and share the stories of racing’s Black pioneers, and the heightened awareness in recent years is promising.”
Te exhibit will extend far beyond the library’s walls with a virtual component that is accessible to anyone with internet. In addition, when “Te Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers” closes at the end of August, many of its elements will continue to be available to schools, libraries, museums, and community groups, with specifc programming geared toward the intended audiences.
“Once the physical exhibit closes, we will have taken these months to develop educational materials for upper elementary, middle, and high school audiences. Planning for university students and adult exhibit programming is also in the works,” said Ferraro. “Te long-term education and outreach goals are exciting, and we look forward to next steps and future collaborations with community and industry partners.” KM www.lexingtoncancerfoundation.org
