Unveiling Cheryl White’s Trailblazing Journey: Celebrating the First Black Female Jockey

Unveiling a Hidden Legacy

In 1971, at just 17 years old, Cheryl White galloped into the history books as America’s first licensed Black female jockey. Her groundbreaking achievements, spanning over two decades and encompassing 750 winning rides across various disciplines, paved the way for generations of Black jockeys. Yet, despite her remarkable career, White’s story remained largely obscured, tucked away in the shadows of history.

Preserving a Legacy

Before her untimely passing in 2019, White expressed a simple desire: to see the gates open. Beyond the starting gates of racetracks, her journey was about opening doors of opportunity and breaking down barriers. Determined to ensure that her sister’s legacy endured, Raymond White, Jr. embarked on a mission. Co-authoring a book titled “The Jockey and her Horse” alongside Sarah Maslin Nir, a reporter for The New York Times, White Jr. sought to immortalize Cheryl’s story for future generations.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Recently, White Jr. journeyed to Minnesota, carrying Cheryl’s story to a new audience. At the CREW Urban Youth Equestrians program in the Twin Cities, he shared her tale with BIPOC youth, aiming to ignite a spark of inspiration within each listener. Founded by Jenny Benton, Kenatia Gilmer, and Chauntel Allen, CREW aims to empower young people of color, fostering confidence and empowerment through equine activities.

Shattering Barriers, Defying Expectations

During a poignant event held in honor of Women’s History Month, White Jr. recounted Cheryl’s remarkable journey. From shattering barriers to defying expectations, Cheryl’s resilience and determination left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing. Yet, her story’s obscurity raises poignant questions about the erasure of Black excellence in history.

A Legacy of Neglected History

Cheryl White’s narrative is not an isolated incident. Throughout history, countless tales of Black achievement have been relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by systemic racism and discrimination. Even within the realm of horse racing, where Black jockeys once reigned supreme, the onset of the Jim Crow era marked the beginning of their exclusion from the sport.

Honoring Cheryl’s Memory

As we reflect on Cheryl White’s remarkable journey, it becomes evident that her story is not just about horse racing—it’s about resilience, perseverance, and the enduring fight for recognition. By ensuring that her legacy lives on, we honor not only Cheryl White but also the countless unsung heroes whose stories deserve to be told. As the gates of history swing open, Cheryl’s name rightfully takes its place among the pantheon of trailblazers who dared to defy the odds.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Essence