Keeneland President & CEO Shannon Arvin presents checks for $50,000 to members of the Ed Brown Society, including President Greg Harbut and President Ray Daniels | Photo Keeneland / Coady
Keeneland is contributing $50,000 to the Ed Brown Society to become an Official Ed Brown Partner. This multifaceted partnership will further create opportunities for young people of color to gain exposure, experience and professional placement in the Thoroughbred industry.
As the foundation of the partnership, the Ed Brown Society (EBS) will identify, recruit and place qualified minority students into paid professional internships in the Keeneland group. Upon completion of their internships, EBS will provide ongoing guidance to these interns as they progress to permanent professional positions in the Purebred Industry. The Ed Brown Society and Keeneland will also collaborate on existing initiatives such as the Keeneland Grade 5 Field Trip, College Scholarship Day, and the Keeneland College Ambassador Program in an effort to promote diversity and integration.
Ed Brown Society (edbrownsociety.org) is named for the famous African-American horseman, Edward Dudley Brown from Lexington, who enjoyed great success as a thoroughbred jockey, trainer, and jockey. and owner from the late 19th century until his retirement in 1903. Brown, who coached Baden-Baden to win the Kentucky Derby in 1877 and developed future Derby winners. are Ben Brush and Plaudit, were inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1984.
“Ed Brown Society and Keeneland have a collective commitment to bring the sport to a new and diverse audience and create more opportunities for people from all backgrounds,” said President and CEO. operating Keeneland, said Shannon Arvin. “We are proud to expand our relationship with the Ed Brown Society at the Partner level and are excited to invest in the next generation of industry leaders that are more diverse with the EBS internship.”
“Like so many African Americans who have achieved great things in horse racing, Ed Brown is a native of Lexington, KY. So it is an appropriate milestone to embark on this important endeavor with Keeneland. We are excited to welcome Keeneland to the Ed Brown Partnership, which will open the doors in the Horse Capital of the World for more students of color to pursue professional careers in the industry I love,” said Greg. Harbut, President of the Ed Brown Society said.
Details are also available during the Keeneland-sponsored Ed Brown Race Day activities during the 2023 Spring Encounter.
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This story was posted in Top News and tagged African American Knights, Ed Brown Society, Greg Harbut, Keeneland, Shannon Arvin.
