The History of the Black Rodeo

Step into the often-overlooked history of the American West as we explore the remarkable story of Black cowboys and cowgirls. From formerly enslaved men who became skilled ranch hands and cattle drivers to legendary figures like Nat Love and Bill Pickett, this episode reveals the vital role Black Americans played in shaping the cowboy tradition. Discover how Bill Pickett revolutionized rodeo with his groundbreaking bulldogging technique, how segregation pushed Black riders to create their own rodeo traditions, and how pioneers like Myrtis Dightman broke racial barriers on the national rodeo stage. We’ll also explore the legacy of the Boley, Oklahoma, rodeo and the founding of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which continues to celebrate Black Western heritage today. More than a story about horses, cattle, and competition, this is a story about visibility, resilience, cultural heritage, and claiming a rightful place in American history. Because Black people weren’t visitors to the American West. We were there. Our history is American history.