The Forgotten First to Win the Kentucky Derby

In 1875, Oliver Lewis, a 19-year-old Black man born free in the heart of Kentucky, did something no one else had ever done, he became the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, a sporting event that would go on to define American tradition. But unlike the marble statues and glossy textbooks reserved for others, his story has been buried in silence.

Understand this. Thirteen out of fifteen jockeys in the first Derby were Black. The horse that crossed the finish line Aristide was trained by a Black man, Ansel Williamson. Black excellence wasn’t invited to the table. We built the table. We were the sport!

But why haven’t you heard this before?

Say Her Name — Althea Gibson

Let’s be clear, before there was Serena, before there was Venus, before global sponsors, center court interviews and headline-making prize money there was Althea Gibson.

In 1957, Althea didn’t just win Wimbledon. She broke it.

She smashed through the country club walls of exclusion and served notice to a world that never expected a Black woman to hold a tennis racket, let alone a championship trophy.

This isn’t just Black history. This is American history. This is world history. But it’s also the kind of history they won’t put in your textbooks, the kind they won’t show in your highlight reels. That’s why we’re here to remind you, to reclaim the narrative and to honor our heroes the way they deserve to be honored.

José Méndez:

The Black Diamond Who Shined in Baseball History

Baseball has long been a game of legends and among them stands José Méndez, a Cuban-born pitching sensation whose dominance on the mound earned him the nickname El Diamante Negro—The Black Diamond. Born on March 19, 1885, in Cárdenas, Cuba, Méndez was a force to be reckoned with during the Pre-Negro Leagues and Negro Leagues eras. His skill, poise and talent made him a household name in both the United States and Latin America, paving the way for future generations of Black and Latino baseball players.

From Cuba to the Mound of Legends

Méndez’s baseball journey began in his homeland, where he quickly established himself as an exceptional pitcher. His talent caught the attention of American teams looking to recruit the best talent from Latin America; and soon, he was dominating hitters with his fiery fastball, deceptive curve and remarkable…