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On February 6, 2026 we kicked off Black History Month in City of Long Beach and we had an amazing time! We appreciate the support of the vendors, performers, community members. Thank you Congressman Robert Garcia for attending & for the recognition

Did you know? Black jockeys dominated American horse racing in the late 19th century, winning 15 of the first 30 Kentucky Derbies, the last Black jockey to win the Derby was in 1902. Despite this, racism forced them out by the early 1900s. 

Key Historical Black Jockeys

Isaac Burns Murphy (1861–1896): Widely considered one of the greatest American jockeys of all time, he was the first to win the Kentucky Derby three times and achieved a 44% win rate.

Jimmy Winkfield (1882–1974): The last African American to win the Kentucky Derby, doing so in back-to-back years (1901, 1902).

Willie Simms (1870–1927): The only African American rider to win all three Triple Crown races (Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes).

Alonzo "Lonnie" Clayton (1876–1917): Became the youngest jockey to win the Kentucky Derby at age 15.

Oliver Lewis (1856–1924): Raced and won the very first Kentucky Derby in 1875.

Cheryl White (1953–2019): Known as the first Black female horse jockey.

February 2026 Bookings have officially closed, we have zero availability. We look forward to seeing you at one of the Public events listed on our February schedule.
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