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The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers traveling exhibit developed and shared by Keeneland Library, highlights the lives and careers of 100 African American horsemen and -women from the mid-1800s to the present. One-of-a-kind photographs from Keeneland Library collections capture moments across their varied careers, while biographical vignettes honor their lasting legacies.
From racetrack superstars to behind-the-scenes caretakers, The Heart of the Turf: Racing’s Black Pioneers showcases select stories of the countless African Americans who forged their way in Lexington and beyond from the era of slavery to the present, making the racing industry what it is today.
Lisa Smith is the Public Affairs Manager for Columbia Gas of Kentucky where she has held a variety of roles since joining the company in 1996. Lisa earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and advertising from the University of Kentucky. A proud Lexington native, she has dedicated her time to volunteering and has served on the Boards of numerous organizations throughout her career.
Apply to be a presenter at the 2026 Kentucky History and Genealogy Conference.
The Luna Library, a program of Believing in Forever, collects and distributes children's books with an African American history or Black character focus. It is an alternative for African American parents looking for books that provide context and knowledge to understand the stories of the African American experience in this country for their children. Believing in Forever is a champion of diversity and inclusion, and the positive impact books have on children of all races.
Wendi Keene retired from a thirty year career with the YMCA of Central Kentucky. She held many positions from early education teacher, camp director, and after-school site director until she worked her way to outreach programing. When she left the Y she had become the Executive Director of Community Initiatives for the total Y association with her focus on the arts, literacy and volunteers.
Louetta (Lou) Hurst is a Lexington native who has a longstanding interest in community development and social services. She currently works in research grant development at the University of Kentucky and has extensive experience in grant writing for nonprofit organizations. She holds a BA in Biology and Classics and an MA in English Literature, as well as a Master’s of Public Administration.
Dr. Rania Belmadani was born in Algeria, lived in Spain for more than 15 years, and now calls Lexington her home. She serves as a Language Access Specialist with GlobalLex. Rania is fluent in five languages – Arabic, French, Spanish, German and English. In addition, she holds multiple degrees from universities in both Algeria and Spain.
Ralph Coldiron has been instrumental in building and developing major commercial projects in downtown Lexington and around the country while working for Wilkinson Enterprises, Gray Construction, Centex Engineering & Construction, and The Webb Companies. Additionally, Ralph served in the Carter/Mondale White House as Director of Advance for the Southeast US. Also, Ralph has served in administrative positions in the administrations of Governor Julian Carroll, Governor John Y.
Search, view, and download digitized historical Lexington, KY Newspapers covering the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
Content from over 80 Kentucky newspapers and news sources, including the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Search selected articles in Lexington newspapers about significant people, places, and events from 1787-2007.
Start your genealogy search with billions of records including census data, vital records, directories, photos and more. Available only to customers inside Lexington Public Library locations. Provided by the Kentucky Virtual Library.
Read the latest issues of your favorite magazines on your computer or mobile device.
Read books and listen to audiobooks on your computer or mobile device.
Discover favorite books and apps, matched to your child's age and interests, and other tools for building early literacy. Log reading and earn badges on your computer or mobile device.
Need an article from an academic journal? Search EBSCO for articles covering a wide range of the arts, the humanities, and the sciences. Available on your computer or mobile device. Provided by the Kentucky Virtual Library.
Our commitment to listening, learning and changing is ongoing and our work is never complete. We affirm that we achieve more together because of our differences, not despite them. When all voices are heard, we are stronger.
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