The Kentucky Derby has a complex history when it comes to Black participation and contributions. African Americans have a long and significant relationship with the Kentucky Derby, both as jockeys and as laborers in the horse racing industry.

Before the Civil War, Black jockeys were prominent in horse racing and often dominated the sport. Thirteen of the 15 jockeys in the first Kentucky Derby in 1875 were Black, including Oliver Lewis, who rode the winner, Aristides. Black jockeys continued to be successful in the Kentucky Derby and other prestigious races throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

However, as Jim Crow laws and segregation took hold in the United States, Black jockeys faced increasing discrimination and exclusion from the sport. By the early 20th century, many racetracks had instituted bans on Black jockeys, and they were effectively pushed out of the industry.

The last Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby was Jimmy Winkfield in 1902. After that, there was a significant decline in Black participation in the sport, both as jockeys and as horse trainers and owners.

In recent years, there has been a renewed effort to highlight and celebrate the contributions of Black jockeys and to promote diversity and inclusion in the horse racing industry. Organizations like the Project to Preserve African American Turf History work to preserve and share the stories of Black jockeys and horsemen who have shaped the sport.

Overall, the history of Black participation in the Kentucky Derby is a complex and often overlooked part of the race's legacy. While Black jockeys were once a dominant force in horse racing, their contributions have been largely forgotten or marginalized. It is important to remember and honor the role that Black individuals have played in shaping the sport of horse racing, including the Kentucky Derby.