Rodeos have long been a tradition that often gets associated with Western culture. Despite this, what we’ve seen on the big screen and in many history books isn’t the complete story.
Many of these pieces of media influences overlooked and marginalized the Black cowboys and cowgirls that were a part of the tradition. Surprised? We were, too.
Today, we’re discussing the history of the brave men and women who played significant roles in the black rodeo.
Grab your hat, and let’s get going!
What Is the Black Rodeo?
The black rodeo functions like a traditional rodeo. It’s full of events like bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. It emphasizes the talents, skills, and heritage of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
At the same time, the black rodeo celebrates the many cowboys and cowgirls who often got the short end of the stick. Few people have documented their stories like many others in rodeo. Some played significant roles in cattle ranching, cattle drives, and rodeo sports.
Attending a black rodeo is far more about the competition. These rodeo events are a celebration that includes live music, cultural exhibitions, educational programs, and storytelling.
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History of the Black Rodeo
Unfortunately, much like many other events and activities, African-American cowboys and cowgirls faced discrimination for rodeos. In addition, it’s not an inexpensive sport to participate in. Due to how society treated these individuals, many didn’t have the means or opportunity to participate in the sport.
However, that was until Bill Picket, often called “Bulldogger,” was born in 1870. Despite facing intense discrimination and resistance, he became a hero for the black community. He’s a legend for the black rodeo.
Pickett introduced a new skill known as “bulldogging.” His reputation attracted a lot of attention, and he later participated in the first-ever black rodeo in 1908 in Prescott, Arizona.
The raw talent from Pickett attracted many boys and girls to the sport of rodeo. Because of his efforts, the cowboy was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1971.
As the sport’s popularity grew, the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo in Wyoming played a significant role in the history of the black rodeo. In 1911, Charles Sampson became the first African American to compete in this famous rodeo. If this were baseball, he’d be Jackie Robinson. By competing in the rodeo, Sampson broke down growing racial barriers.
Starting in the 1950s, many communities began organizing rodeo events. These events became traditions and a way of preserving and celebrating African-American cowboy and cowgirl culture.
Is There a Black-Only Rodeo?
There are black-only rodeos throughout the country. As we mentioned, these events celebrate and showcase the talents of African Americans in rodeo competitions. While winning can be fun, they have a bigger purpose: sharing the culture and tradition with the next generation.
Attend These Black Rodeos
So, where is a black rodeo for you to attend? Here are a few events that you might consider attending. Add them to your calendar so you remember.
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) receives its name to honor the late cowboy and performer who experienced discrimination. It is a touring rodeo for African-American cowboys and cowgirls. You can expect to see bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and steer wrestling at these events. Participants put on quite a show as they compete against each other at the highest level.
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo hosted its 2023 Legacy Tour. The series started in Denver, Colorado, mid-January and stopped in several cities. The stops included Memphis, TN, Oakland, California, Los Angeles, California, Atlanta, Georgia, and Washington, DC. Attending one of these events is a great way to get introduced to the sport while watching some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in action.
Las Vegas Invitational Black Rodeo
The Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo invades Las Vegas the second weekend of October. While in town, they’ll do three shows. The event has occurred at Horseman’s Park, and tickets range from $30 to $60.
This is your chance if you’ve ever wanted to experience a rodeo in person. They’ll have bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, steer undecorating, ladies’ barrel racing, and relay racing.
Midwest Invitational Black Rodeo
The Midwest Invitational Black Rodeo occurs towards the start of June. It costs $20 for advanced registration, $25 on the day of the show, and $10 for parking. During the event, they typically have steer wrestling, tie-down roping, ranch bronc riding, ladies barrel racing, relay races, ladies steer undecorating, and bull riding.
Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo & Festival
The Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo has been operating since 1956. It’s one of the oldest African-American rodeos in the country and the longest-running in Oklahoma. It’s an exciting event that can help you fall in love with the sport.
Additionally, a festival and parade take place alongside the rodeo. There are plenty of vendors to visit, too. Grab yourself some refreshments and a souvenir to remember the historic experience. Then, sit back and watch the men and women dawn their horses and test their horsemanship and rodeo skills. Who will be victorious? You’ll have to attend and see!
Jacksonville Invitational Black Rodeo
Want to celebrate Juneteenth while learning about the Black history with the rodeo? They have two shows at the Jacksonville Invitational Black Rodeo. This rodeo lasts for approximately two hours and 15 minutes.
Contestants compete against each other in bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, ranch bronc, steer undecorating, ladies barrel racing, relay races, and a kid calf scramble. Many refer to this as the “hottest show on dirt.”
Tennessee Invitational Black Rodeo
The Tennessee Invitational celebrates the black rodeo’s heritage, talents, and contributions. This event happens at the beginning of June in Shelbyville, Tennessee, at Cooper Steel Arena. They’ll have multiple showings, so if you can’t make it for the first one, there will be more options.
Celebrate the Black Rodeo
We’ve mentioned some great opportunities to try something new if you’ve never attended a rodeo. Unfortunately, no matter how hard you try, you’ll likely end up with a layer of dust and dirt.
The electric atmosphere and tremendous culture are a great educational opportunity for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to have fun, make memories, and celebrate the black rodeo.
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