36th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo honors the cowboy tradition, a ride these participants are no strangers to
The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo, established in 1985 by Harry Robinson Jr., founder of the African American Museum in Dallas, is a significant event that aims to celebrate and highlight the often overlooked history and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls in American culture. Now in its 36th year, the rodeo has grown to become the museum's largest annual fundraiser, attracting approximately 7,000 attendees each year.
Each summer, the rodeo brings together Black riders from across the country to compete in traditional rodeo events such as bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing, and Pony Express relay. The event also features family-friendly entertainment like trick lasso performances and live music, making it a lively and festive atmosphere for all.
The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo holds deep cultural and historical significance. It serves as a living tribute to the strength, courage, and legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls who pioneered the American West, a history that is often marginalized in mainstream narratives. Margie Reese, interim executive director of the African American Museum, emphasizes that the rodeo reminds Texans and the wider public that the Western frontier was "blazed by African American horsemen and cowgirls."
Rodeo legend Cleo Hearn, one of the first Black professional rodeo competitors in North America and founder of Cowboys of Color Rodeo, partnered with Robinson to bring this event to life, enhancing its professional and cultural prominence. The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo thus stands as both a fundraiser and a crucial educational and celebratory platform, preserving and promoting the rich legacy of Black participants in the rodeo world and American Western history more broadly.
For many, the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is more than just a competition. Leah Frazier, a first-time attendee this year, was inspired by Dallas' historical Black cowboys, while for Lesa Ellinger, this summer marks her fifth time performing in the rodeo. Ellinger, a member of the Circle L5 Riding Club since 1991, started training in dressage competitions at 12 years old and moved to Texas in 1989, where she began owning her own horse, which allowed her to compete as she pleased.
Hubert Ransom, a faithful attendee, finds excitement in seeing more young people each year. Wendell Hearn, Cleo Hearn's son, acknowledges that the event might be the first time some people learn about Black cowboys. He emphasizes the importance of continuing the legacy of Black cowboys in American history. The Hearn family, like many others, sees the rodeo as an act of preservation of the history of Black cowboys.
The Arts Access journalism initiative, a community-funded collaboration between The Dallas Morning News and KERA, supports coverage of events like the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo. The initiative is funded by the Better Together Fund, Carol & Don Glendenning, City of Dallas OAC, The University of Texas at Dallas, Communities Foundation of Texas, The Dallas Foundation, Eugene McDermott Foundation, James & Gayle Halperin Foundation, Jennifer & Peter Altabef, and The Meadows Foundation.
The first Texas Black Invitational Rodeo had only half of the coliseum rented out due to uncertainty about attendance, but ended up with over 500 attendees. Today, the rodeo continues to grow in popularity, showcasing the resilience and enduring appeal of Black cowboys and cowgirls in American culture. The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is a testament to the power of community, history, and culture, and a reminder of the rich and varied tapestry of American history.
The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo serves as a platform for news about the fortitude and enduring appeal of Black cowboys and cowgirls, with the Arts Access journalism initiative covering events like this. This yearly gathering also functions as a source of community-funded education about the often overlooked history and contributions of Black cowboys, as emphasized by Wendell Hearn.
In addition to competitive rodeo events, the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo offers family-friendly entertainment such as trick lasso performances and live music, fostering a sense of community and celebration among attendees. This sense of community extends beyond the event, with members like Lesa Ellinger of the Circle L5 Riding Club preserving the legacy of Black cowboys through participation and training.
