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Conflict in Kentucky

First transmitted in 1967, Alan Whicker attends the 93rd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill's Downs track in Louisville, Kentucky. But the event is threatened when activists plan a programme of civil disobedience as a protest against the practice of residential segregation.

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45 minutes

Last on

Sat 7 Oct 1967 19:45

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All American Collection

All American Collection
This programme is part of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Four’s All American - a collection of Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ programmes from the archives about US culture. Available online to watch in full.

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Hailed by Americans as the most prestigious horse racing event in the calendar, the Kentucky Derby was broadcast annually to over 75 million American homes. They tuned in to marvel at the dazzling array of handsome local Colonels and pretty Southern belles parading the stands, as well as the sight of the magnificent thoroughbred horses. But, in 1967, it also presented an opportunity for the local black population to turn out in their numbers to protest against residential segregation laws, which upheld the exclusion of black people from purchasing homes in predominately white areas. The activists turned up determined to disrupt, derail and prevent the Derby from taking place. Alan Whicker follows the story.

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