Black history and culture are woven throughout Lexington, from historic landmarks and cultural institutions to locally owned restaurants, creative businesses, and community celebrations. Discover the history, stories, and experiences that have shaped the city and see how Lexington’s African American community continues to influence its culture, creativity, and character today.
Horse Capital of the World
Pictured: Family at Mill Ridge Farm
As the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington offers no shortage of unique equine experiences. Visitors can get up close and personal with horses, enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks into the industry, and explore Lexington’s rich racing history and the legacy of Black horsemen throughout the city.
African American Racing History
Lexington’s horse culture runs deep, and Black horsemen have played an important role in its history. The historic East End neighborhood was home to prominent Black figures in the late 19th century, including doctors, builders, and jockeys. One of the most accomplished jockeys of all time, Isaac Burns Murphy, resided in the East End. The Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden honors his legacy along with other pioneering Black jockeys such as Oliver Lewis, the first Black jockey to win the Kentucky Derby, and James “Soup” Perkins, who was just 15 when he won the Derby.
Horse Country
Lexington is surrounded by over 450 horse farms, nurseries, adoption centers, veterinary clinics, and feed mills, making it the Horse Capital of the World. Many are open for tours, offering countless opportunities to go behind the scenes and experience the industry up close. Through Visit Horse Country, visitors can tour these operations, meet the people who care for Kentucky’s Thoroughbred champions, and gain a deeper appreciation for the industry.
Keeneland
This National Historic Landmark offers world-class Thoroughbred racing and year-round experiences at one of Lexington’s most iconic destinations. Enjoy thrilling racing during the April and October meets, attend a global horse sale, explore the picturesque grounds, or get a glimpse of training on a guided tour. Visitors can also grab a bite of home-style food at the Keeneland Track Kitchen alongside notable trainers, jockeys, and horse owners, and visit the Keeneland Library, the world’s largest repository of resources chronicling the Thoroughbred industry’s past and present.
Kentucky Horse Park
This 1200-acre facility is a must-see for horse lovers, with more than 30 breeds of horses, horseback and pony riding, equine museums, exhibitions, carriage rides, horse shows, and more. At the International Museum of the Horse—the world’s largest and most comprehensive museum dedicated to the connection between horses and humans—visitors can explore the Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf exhibit, which shares the stories of African Americans in Kentucky’s stables and on the track. The museum has also developed the Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry project to document and archive the history of African Americans in the horse industry, helping preserve the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped an important part of American history.
African American Heritage in Lexington
Pictured: Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden signage
Lexington’s African American history is woven into the fabric of the city, reflected in the people, places, and stories found throughout the Bluegrass. Explore historic landmarks, public art, and cultural institutions that honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Lexington’s Black community.
African American Heritage Tour
Lexington’s African American Heritage Tour offers an immersive look at the stories of Black trailblazers who left an indelible mark on the city’s history. Divided into four sections covering the Northside, East End, Jefferson Street, and South Hill areas, the tour invites visitors to explore the narratives of courageous activists, educators, and influential community leaders whose contributions helped shape Lexington. Narrated by Lexington native and historian Dr. Yvonne Giles, the tour features more than 100 stops, including African Cemetery No. 2, Shiloh Baptist Church, Constitution School, and Dr. Mary Ellon Britton’s home.
African American Heritage Trail
The African American Heritage Trail explores more than 50 sites across Kentucky, highlighting African Americans’ enduring impact on the state’s history. Lexington is home to 11 stops, including African Cemetery No. 2, Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, Charles Young Park, Henry A. Tandy Centennial Park, Isaac Burns Murphy Memorial Art Garden, Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington Freedom Train Monument honoring famed abolitionists Lewis and Harriet Hayden, Lexington History Museum, The Lyric Theatre, and Waveland State Historic Site.
Nearby, visitors can discover additional Trail stops at Camp Nelson National Cemetery in Nicholasville, the Huntertown Interpretive Park in Versailles, Hopewell Museum in Paris, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg, and the Oliver Street School and Winchester Black Heritage Trail in Winchester.
I Was Here Project
The I Was Here project brings African American history and stories of ancestry to life through public art and history installations throughout downtown Lexington. Featuring 24 viewable pieces centered around the Historic Lexington Courthouse, formerly the largest auction block for the enslaved west of the Allegheny Mountains, the project invites visitors to discover a deeper side of Kentucky’s history through storytelling, art, and historical markers.
Bourbonland
Pictured: Bespoken Spirits
Within easy driving distance of Kentucky’s famed distilleries, Lexington is an ideal home base for exploring bourbon country. Known as Bourbonland, the city is home to eight local distilleries and countless bourbon bars where visitors can experience the time-honored traditions behind America’s Native Spirit while discovering the new ideas, techniques, and experiences shaping bourbon today.
Fresh Bourbon
Founded by husband-and-wife duo Sean and Tia Edwards, Fresh Bourbon is recognized as the first African American-owned and produced bourbon since slavery. Located in downtown Lexington, the distillery offers guided sensory tastings and mixology sessions in an elegant tasting room.
Silver Springs Farm Eqwine & Vineyard
Set on the grounds of the historic Silver Springs Distillery, Silver Springs Farm combines owners Leslie and Allen Carter’s passions for breeding racehorses, history, and winemaking. After purchasing and restoring the property, the Carters now welcome visitors for guided tastings of their award-winning Silver Springs Farm Black Type Reserve wines.
Bourbonland Tasting Pass
The Bourbonland Tasting Pass offers an easy way to experience Lexington’s bourbon scene, with tasting flights at participating distilleries throughout the city. Choose a 1-day pass to visit three distilleries or a 3-day pass to visit six, giving visitors the flexibility to experience Lexington’s bourbon culture at their own pace.
Arts, Culture, & Creativity
Pictured: Tee Dee's Blues Lounge
Lexington’s creative spirit has been shaped by a unique blend of ideas, craftsmanship, and culture, creating an energy distinctly its own. Today, the city’s legacy as the “Athens of the West” lives on through the artists, musicians, chefs, storytellers, and creatives who continue to shape Lexington’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Tee Dee's Blues Lounge
Lexington offers great live music throughout the week, and Tee Dee’s Blues Lounge is the go-to destination for blues. Located in the East End, the lounge is home base for Lexington blues legend Tee Dee Young, a guitar virtuoso and vocalist who has dazzled crowds for over 30 years. This intimate, under-the-radar venue hosts its blues jams on Monday nights with music beginning at 8 pm.
The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center
Opened in 1948 as a movie theatre and gathering place, the Lyric Theatre has become a historic landmark and center for Black culture and entertainment in Lexington. Visitors can experience concerts, theatre performances, visual art, youth programs, and community gatherings that continue the venue’s legacy of bringing Lexington’s Black community together.
Albert Couture
Founded by Congolese designer Albert Lukonga, Albert Couture is Kentucky’s first fashion house, offering made-to-measure clothing and accessories from its Lexington showroom. Inspired by his mother, a tailor and designer, Albert built his brand around individuality, craftsmanship, and personal service. Visitors can book private consultations and fittings tailored to their personal style, from custom suits and dresses to shoes and accessories.
African American Ballet Troupe
Founded by Lexington dancer Kayla Chambers-Reed as a teenager, the African American Ballet Troupe brings Black culture and artistic expression to the stage through dance. The troupe offers performances and community programming throughout the year, including its annual Ebony Nutcracker, a culturally inspired take on the holiday classic featuring music and dance from around the world.
Kentucky Black Writers Collaborative
The Kentucky Black Writers Collaborative brings together Black writers and literary voices from across the Bluegrass through workshops, readings, discussions, and other creative programming. Based at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, the collaborative creates space for writers to share their work, build community, and celebrate Black storytelling in Kentucky.
A Taste of Lexington
Pictured: Moody Mike's
As the #6 Food City in the U.S., Lexington has a diverse food scene that blends Kentucky traditions with global flavors. From soul food and comfort dishes to bourbon-inspired and plant-based fare, Black-owned restaurants are an important part of Lexington’s culinary landscape.
Sassy Bleu Fine Southern Dining
Sassy Bleu serves up Southern favorites with a creative, elevated twist. From fried chicken and burgers to hearty sides and weekend specials, the menu offers plenty of reasons to settle in for a meal.
Wing KYng
True to its name, Wing KYng delivers bold, flavorful wings in a casual setting in Greyline Station. With a variety of flavors and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s quickly become a local favorite.
AJ's Wings and Things
AJ's Wings and Things is a family-owned restaurant serving up Southern comfort food, including crispy wings with house-made sauces, chicken and waffles, and classic sides like fried okra and sweet potato soufflé.
Black Soil KY
Black Soil connects visitors and locals with Kentucky’s Black farmers and agricultural heritage. Browse fresh produce, local honey, coffee, and other Kentucky-made products while learning more about the people shaping the state’s food system.
Moody Mike's
Moody Mike's is a food truck-turned-brick-and-mortar that puts a plant-based spin on comfort food with creative dishes like ‘shrimp’ po’ boys, veggie and soy wings, and cheeseburger egg rolls.
Sav's Gourmet Ice Cream
Founded by Savion McCarty, Sav’s Gourmet Ice Cream serves handcrafted ice cream in bold, inventive flavors like hot banana, bourbon honey, and Spanish peanut butter.
Rayann's Popcorn Company
Located in Greyline Station, Rayann’s Gourmet Popcorn crafts small-batch popcorn daily using ethically sourced ingredients and Kentucky-grown, non-GMO, gluten-free corn.
The Melroy
The Melroy is a downtown dining destination that serves Southern-inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a wide selection of wine and bourbon in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The V at The Vine
Located atop The Vine, The V offers globally inspired dishes, from seafood and steak to share alongside craft cocktails and panoramic views of downtown Lexington.
Events
Pictured: Soulteenth Fest, part of SoulFeast Week
Throughout the year, Lexington’s events calendar offers opportunities to celebrate Black culture, heritage, music, food, and community.
SoulFeast Week
Centered on Juneteenth, SoulFest Week is a weeklong celebration of Black culture, cuisine, and community, spotlighting Lexington’s soulful flavors, cultural expression, and shared joy. The week features Kentucky Black Restaurant Week, Soulteenth Fest, and a variety of events highlighting food, music, and community.
Roots & Heritage Festival
For more than 30 years, the Roots & Heritage Festival has been a regional highlight, celebrating history, education, diversity, and community. Held each September, the festival offers entertainment and education for all ages, including concerts, a parade, live music, and local vendors.
DiverCity Festival
With live performances, hundreds of vendors, and thousands of attendees each year, DiverCity Festival reflects the people and stories that shape Lexington. As one of the city’s most vibrant and dynamic celebrations, culture comes alive through music, dance, food, art, and shared experiences.
Kentucky Black Pride Festival
Each September, the Kentucky Black Pride Festival brings Lexington’s Black LGBTQ+ community together to celebrate pride, culture, and connection. The festival highlights Black LGBTQ+ voices while promoting positive visibility, unity, and inclusion.
Swahili Day
Swahili Day celebrates Lexington’s African and Swahili-speaking community with African music, food, dance, fashion, arts and crafts, and cultural performances. The festival highlights African-owned businesses and offers opportunities to learn more about Swahili culture.
