January 1884

The Fisk Jubilee Singers, the student ensemble from Fisk University in Nashville, continued their internationally acclaimed tours through Europe and Britain during the 1880s, performing before Queen Victoria and heads of state. Their performances of African American spirituals introduced the world to this musical tradition and raised funds that literally built the university. The Singers established Black American music as a form of high art recognized globally.

Isaac Murphy, a Black jockey born enslaved in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 1884 — the first of three Derby victories (also 1890 and 1891). Murphy won 44 percent of all his races over his career, a record that stood for over a century. He was the first jockey inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Isaac Murphy, a Black jockey born enslaved in Kentucky, won the Kentucky Derby in 1884, the first of three victories (also 1890 and 1891). Murphy won 44 percent of all his races over his career, a record standing over a century. He was the first jockey inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

The Indianapolis Freeman was founded in 1884 and under editor Edward Elder Cooper became the first Black illustrated newspaper in the United States, featuring political cartoons, celebrity portraits, and cultural coverage. It was influential in shaping Black cultural and political discourse nationally and modeled itself on the leading white illustrated papers.