Lesson Plans
Photo: Library of Congress
Ten teacher representatives from Kentucky have created learning modules for you to use in the classroom. Our intention is to provide educators with an alternative way to include diverse points of view in social studies and other subject areas. We hope that students of all ages are able to relate to the people and stories found here.
You can find each module by grade level under the Elementary, Middle, and High school headings. Lessons range from focusing on one person’s story to using maps and creating project-based activities with your students. Each lesson can be used in a public, private, or homeschool setting, and can be adapted to any state’s learning standards.
These modules are intended for educational purposes and use only.
Elementary Lessons
The Impact of African American Jockeys on Kentucky Communities
Created by Wendy Young
Students will be introduced to prominent African American Kentucky horsemen/women. The purpose of this lesson is for students to discover the impact African American Kentuckians in the horse industry had on their community.
Isaac Murphy: The Gentle Jockey
Created by Azra Terzich
Students will learn about the prominent African American jockey Isaac Burns Murphy who lived in Kentucky. The main purpose of this lesson is for students to recognize the impact that African Americans who worked in the horse industry had on their community and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
The Life and Legacy of William “Billy” Walker, Jr
Created by Felicia Smyzer
This module is to help young learners grasp and understand the importance and impact that African Americans had on horseracing and the impact it holds today.
Middle School Lessons
The Unsung Heroes of the Kentucky Derby
Created by Carla Criswell
In this module, students will explore and research the impact African Americans had on the Kentucky horse industry. Most importantly, students will focus on the Kentucky Derby by examining information through The Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry. Also, using credible sources, students will present information on the impact the “unsung heroes” had on making the derby an American phenomenon.
Voices of the Horse Industry: What can Anthony Hamilton Teach Us?
Created by Annabeth Edens
Born in South Carolina only a year after the US Civil War had ended, Anthony “Tony” Hamilton’s career as a jockey was impressive in more ways than one. While we celebrate his success on the track, it is equally important to understand the political, social, and racial tensions of the time. Anthony Hamilton can teach us a lot about horse racing and life for those who worked in or around the industry.
People and Places: Slavery, Segregations, and Freedom in the Horse Industry
Created by Andrew Johnson
This lesson uses a digital map to allow students to examine various individuals in the horse industry. Students will evaluate the sources, and compile evidence to answer the question, “How did the role of African Americans in the horse industry expand on freedom?” Students are formatively assessed on their claims, as well by a synthesis response comparing the student’s claim to the stories provided in one of two Chronicle Themes.
High School Lessons
Leaving a Lasting Legacy: Unveiling the Traditions, Skills and Knowledge Passed Down Through Generations of Horsemen and Women
Created by Logan Layne
In this module, we will discover the legacies left by past equine horsemen and women. We will also learn the importance of skills and knowledge that have been carried on by recent horsemen and women.
The Historical Impact of Racism on the American Horse Industry
Created by Lorrie Fraley
This module explores and proves the damage of slavery and racism on American society, politics and economic freedom through Inquiry Based Learning, Historical Thinking Analysis, and Project Based Learning.
Preserving History: Document Analysis & Creating A Historical Archive
Created by Jaronda McPherson
Understanding the importance of historical documents, students will analyze the personal narratives of African Americans in the horse industry. Then the students will create a new historical archive by interviewing someone they feel has made a significant impact in society including, but not limited to, a relative or a community member.
Race of Reins
Created by Bettymarie McClanahan
This multi-curricular, co-curricular and extra curricular educational module provides an in-depth unit of study or a range of stand-alone lessons that revere the African American jockeys who shouldered, championed, reigned and ruled the Kentucky Derby. It also provides extensions that encourage African American youth to rightfully reacquire and rule the reins once more.
