Black cowboy culture celebrated during 35th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo

(The Dallas Examiner) – Black cowboys can be traced back to the early 19th century in Texas, after “The Great Exodus” when African Americans moved from the South to the western parts of the United States, following the Civil War. In search of land and opportunity, former slaves found use of their previous skills from taking care of cattle during enslavement and transformed it to their own lifestyles. “A lot of people don’t know that cowboys actually derived from slave times. We were the first cowboys, not the vaqueros [Hispanic cowboys]. I think that is the irony of it all,” said J.W. Hutson, a local Black cowboy. Related Stories Black cowboys are still an important part of the American fabric, from tending cattle and owning ranches to performing in rodeos. The 35th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo showcased their talents at the Fair Park Coliseum on July 27. The sold-out event of over 16,000 people called for an unforgettable night of performances and competitions that had the crowd at the edge of their seats. A little southwest fashion and vendors made the experience complete. Hutson won the calf tie-down roping competition at this rodeo in 1992. After many years of competing,...