Louisville's Black community celebrates culture and connection during Derby week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — For some, it's the outfits and excitement at Churchill Downs that make Kentucky Derby season so magical. But for others, the magic is rooted in the culture and coming together.

As people converge on Louisville to participate in all of the events surrounding the Derby season, some take the time as an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the Black culture that helped build it.

"It is not just about what happens out at Churchill Downs, it is about the people," Louisville Urban League President Lyndon Pryor said.

Each year, there's a week full of events leading up to the Derby at Churchill Downs.

"I had the opportunity recently to sit with some elders in this community who talked about how Derby was like a big family reunion," said Pryor.

For the Black community, Pryor said the magic of the Derby experience is best found in the moments where Black people from all over reconnect and celebrate each other.

"Black people are part of the fabric that has built Louisville," he said. "They have been a part of Derby, whether that is racing the jockeys out at the track, helping build the track, but more importantly part of the culture that has built this city."

The Louisville Urban League puts on an annual Derby Gala to do just that, celebrating Black culture and fundraising to support programs and services they offer. The Derby Gala has become a tradition for some, while other events like the Black Derby Homecoming are newer.

"A lot of people think about the horse track and they think about the parties, but for me the magic is in connecting people," said organizer Cassia Herron.

When organizing Wednesday's brunch for the Black Derby Homecoming, Herron kept local businesses in mind, partnering with local brands, featuring some Black-owned businesses like West End Gin and Unbridled.

"When I think about local, I think about high quality," she said.

She also called on businesses in the Smoketown neighborhood, like Locals Food Hub, to sponsor some of the food for the event.

"The emphasis on intentionally supporting small local business is more important than it's ever been," said Birch Bragg, co-owner of Locals Food Hub.

Pryor said seeing Black-sponsored events, some old and some new, pop up across Louisville is "just a beautiful thing."