July 27th 2024.
Attention all cowboys and cowgirls, get ready to kick off your boots and saddle up for a night of thrilling rodeo action! The 35th annual Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is galloping into the Fair Park Coliseum in Dallas, Texas on July 27th at 7 P.M. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the African American Museum of Dallas, promises to be a night filled with family fun and excitement.
As the countdown to the rodeo begins, longtime rodeo announcer Kevin Woodson shared his thoughts on the significance of Black rodeos in an interview with NBC 5's Noelle Walker. He acknowledged that some may find it unusual for a Black man to participate in rodeos, but he quickly debunked this misconception by stating that it is, in fact, a rich part of Black history.
The African American Museum of Dallas is the proud host of this event, with all proceeds from ticket and event sales going towards the museum. According to their website, the rodeo will feature African American cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes in various events such as bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing, and a Pony Express relay race. This is a wonderful opportunity to witness the impressive skills and talents of these talented individuals.
Woodson, who is set to be the announcer for the rodeo, expressed his love for the sport by saying, "Rodeo is all about you and that animal. I used to joke and say, 'they pay me for this!' That's how much I enjoy it." He even shared that he used to be a rodeo bullfighter, proving his dedication and passion for the sport.
As for the history behind Black rodeos, Woodson explained that it is not a new phenomenon and has been a part of the community for a long time. He stated, "You see history unfold right in front of you, 'cause most people don't know that 1/3 to 1/4 of the entire West, there were African American cowboys." He also highlighted the fact that one of the most popular events in rodeo, steer wrestling, was actually created by a Black cowboy named Bill Pickett.
The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is not just a fun event, but it also serves as a reminder of the struggles and accomplishments of Black cowboys and cowgirls in the past. Woodson likened it to the Negro Leagues in baseball, stating that it was not formed because they did not want to play with others, but because they were not given the opportunity to do so.
With tickets for this year's rodeo already sold out, it is clear that the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo has become a beloved tradition for many. So, grab your cowboy hats and boots and head to the Fair Park Coliseum for a night of rodeo action and to celebrate the rich history of Black cowboys and cowgirls. Yeehaw!
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