Kentucky Derby Draws Big Crowds—But For Protests Against Racism

TOPLINE

In a city still reeling from the shooting of Breonna Taylor, Louisville now must brace for many factions of protesters converging on the city to demonstrate during Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. 

KEY FACTS

Key background

The Kentucky Derby may be horse racing’s most iconic event, and has been held annually for nearly 150 years. Prior to the races being pushed back, Louisville Tourism estimated the event would bring in $400 million in revenue, Associated Press reported. However, some Black residents of Louisville told the Louisville Courier Journal it’s an event they feel excluded from and have asked for the race to be cancelled in the wake of months of protests since Taylor, a 26-year-old Black woman, was fatally shot by Louisville police in March. Protests held during the derby are also likely to receive nationwide attention during the first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown series, which would further activists’ goal of drawing attention to Taylor’s death and the lack of arrests made connected to her shooting.

Further reading

Why the Kentucky Derby is a ‘symbol of segregation,’ not unity, for Black residents (Louisville Courier Journal)

Breonna Taylor’s Life Was Chancing. Then The Police Came To The Door. (New York Times)