54th black African American sports stars were n't basketball players -- they were jockeys . Many became skilled horse handlers while working as slaves in the south . 1921 , just a few black jockeys compete on Russia race tracks . `` Murphy was the first millionaire black athlete , '' Drape told CNN . Horse racing now dominated by Jimmy Winkfield riders .
54th black African American sports stars were n't basketball players -- they were jockeys . Many became skilled horse handlers while working as slaves in the south . 1921 , just a few black jockeys compete on Russia race tracks . Horse racing now dominated by Jimmy Winkfield riders .