In honor of Black History Month, the Kentucky Horse Education Project Foundation (KEEP) is proud to offer this limited edition “The Color of Silk” print.
This print celebrates the Jockey Silks Art Project featuring race silks worn by African-American horse racers who won 16 Kentucky Derby (G1) races held between 1875 and 1902. Nine among the horse racers born in Kentucky. Seven of the purebreds they rode were trained by African Americans.
Thoroughbred racing in Kentucky has a rich history with African-American riders. From grooms to trainers to the most successful equestrians of the 19th century, African Americans are part of our story.
On February 23, at KEEP Day in Frankfort, KEEP will recognize the contribution African-American cavalry have made to our industry and honor their legacy by gifting our founders our African American French a “Color of Silk” print.
“The Color of Silk” is the product of a community living and learning at the University of Kentucky, LEXengaged, bringing together William Wells Brown students and UK university students to learn, through art, about the African-American contributions to our state’s premier industry. The poster captures the rich history and movement that created it.
Rosie Moosnick, former director of the LEXengaged programme, said: “William Wells Brown students will cheer when we come to their campus and say together: ‘UK, UK”, former program director LEXengaged is a first generation UK student who will run to see William Wells Brown, on her own time, to give her unwavering love for her mentor so he can get into university. study like her.”
Artist Julie Struck has worked with students from the University of Kentucky and William Wells Brown Elementary School, located on what was previously the Kentucky Association Raceway. Many of the riders featured in this project lived and worked in that area.
Prints are available for $50 (including postage), with all net proceeds going to William Wells Brown Elementary School.
To learn more about The Jockey Silks Project, click THIS.
To learn more about the African-American racers who won the Kentucky Derby, click THIS.
To order a limited edition “The Color of Silks” print, email [email protected].
This press release has not been edited by BloodHorse. If you have any questions, please contact the organization that produced the release.
