February 14, 2008
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Profile America for the 14th day of Black History Month. African-Americans have contributed much to the rich heritage of sports in America. From Jesse Owens and Jackie Robinson, to Michael Jordan, and the sensational Formula One race car driver Louis Hamilton, they have added excitement through the years. But almost forgotten is that an African-American jockey won the very first Kentucky Derby. The date was May 17, 1875, and the jockey was Oliver Lewis, riding Aristides. Today, the derby is the worlds best known horse racing event. Each year in the U.S., nearly 5.5 million people attend thoroughbred and trotting races across the country. This special edition of Profile America for Black History Month is a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.