Key Highlights
- Sarah Bird’s new book ‘Juneteenth Rodeo’ sheds light on the overlooked history of Black cowboys in Texas
- Photos and moments from the 1970s Black rodeos in Texas are being unveiled after decades
- Bird’s work highlights the diverse spectrum of rodeos beyond mainstream perceptions
- The book includes an afterward by ‘Black Rodeo in the Texas Gulf Coast Region’ author Demetrius Pearson
(livesinsight.com) – The myth of the cowboy was grown deep in the heart of Texas, but for years so was the erroneous mainstream image of what a “real” cowboy looked like – one that often excluded women, queer people, Mexican-American vaqueros and, of course, Black cowboys. In the rodeo world of the 1970s, Black cowboys tested their skill and competed at Black rodeos. And in the new book “Juneteenth Rodeo,” photos and moments from those rodeos here in Texas are coming to light after being packed away for decades. Writer and photographer Sarah Bird spoke with Texas Standard about reconnecting with the photos, getting the afterward written by “Black Rodeo in the Texas Gulf Coast Region” author Demetrius Pearson, and the excitement of connecting the names and stories with the faces. This transcript has been edited lightly for clarity: Texas Standard: These images, as I understand it, were taken by you decades ago. Were they just packed away under your bed? Sarah Bird: Precisely. No – so, I just fell in love with Black rodeos in the late 70s and went to as many as I could in these tiny little rural outposts – Plum, Egypt. And I would bring it back to Austin; as you said, there was not a lot of awareness of Black cowboys at that point. So, you know, my friends and fellow graduate students would go, “I didn’t know there were Black cowboys.” And, as you know, I mean, that’s the sign you’ve got a story. This was an untold story. These were the unseen images. And I was on fire about getting a book published to share with the world this remarkable what apparently was news. And at that point, no interest in Black cowboys. Unlike today, there is tremendous resurgence of interest. So I was told, no, no, and hell no. Multiple rejections. So I packed them away. You know, my heart was broken; my bank account was broken. This was this was back in the days when, as you recall, photography was both laborious and expensive. And I just ran out of money, so I put them away. There they might have stayed forever and ever had it not been for a worldwide pandemic. And then a rediscovery of some of these photos. Tell us a little bit about the images that you captured. You called them renegade rodeos. And along with the Juneteenth rodeo, there were many that you attended at the time that wouldn’t fit the definition of typical rodeo, as many people think of it. As a newcomer to Texas, I fell in love with all the state’s oddities, and one being rodeos – but not mainstream rodeos, you know, not professional rodeos, which I found not too interesting, but the offbeat rodeos like I photographed. And charreada is not necessarily rodeos, but gorgeous spectacles. Then Native American rodeos, kids rodeos, old timers rodeos, gay rodeos, girls rodeos, as they were called then, prison and police rodeos. So I was just fascinated by the worlds that sprang up around the rodeo arena. That’s what I was most interested in photographing. And through them, I found what I ultimately came to think of as the best of them all, which was the Black rodeos.
Reviving a Forgotten Legacy: Black Cowboys and Juneteenth Rodeo
The history of Black cowboys is as rich and storied as it is underrepresented in mainstream narratives. Texas, often nostalgic for its cowboy heritage, has overlooked a significant chapter—one that Sarah Bird’s ‘Juneteenth Rodeo’ aims to bring to the forefront. The book is more than a collection of photographs; it is a time capsule of cultural heritage, capturing the essence of Black rodeos in the 1970s. These events were more than just competitions; they were celebrations of resilience, culture, and identity. Bird’s rediscovered photographs offer a unique glimpse into the lives of Black cowboys, their families, and the communities that rallied around these rodeos. The images, once forgotten and packed away, now serve as a poignant reminder of the diverse spectrum of cowboy culture that thrived away from the limelight. As Bird recounts, her initial foray into documenting these events was met with indifference and rejection. Publishers were not interested in stories about Black cowboys, a sentiment that reflected the broader societal neglect of Black contributions to cowboy culture. However, the resurgence of interest in recent years, driven by a broader movement to acknowledge and celebrate Black history, has created a receptive audience for Bird’s work. The Juneteenth rodeo, in particular, stands out as a symbolic event, intertwining the celebration of freedom and the rich tradition of rodeo. The rediscovered photos encapsulate the spirit of these rodeos—renegade and vibrant, defying the conventional image of rodeo culture. Click [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_cowboys) to learn more about the history of Black cowboys from Wikipedia. The inclusion of an afterward by Demetrius Pearson, a noted historian on Black rodeos, adds an academic gravitas to the book. Pearson’s insights provide a contextual framework that enriches the visual narrative, connecting historical dots and offering readers a comprehensive understanding of this overlooked legacy. The collaboration between Bird and Pearson underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in preserving and narrating history, blending visual storytelling with scholarly research to create a compelling and educational read.
The Evolution of Black Rodeos in Texas
Black rodeos have a fascinating history that intertwines with the broader narrative of African American resilience and cultural expression. While mainstream rodeos garnered widespread popularity and media coverage, Black rodeos thrived in relative obscurity, often held in rural outposts far from the bustling cities. These rodeos were not just events; they were community gatherings, cultural celebrations, and a platform for showcasing the talents of Black cowboys and cowgirls. In the 1970s, as Bird’s photographs depict, these rodeos were vibrant, renegade affairs that defied the polished image of professional rodeos. They were raw, authentic, and deeply rooted in the traditions of the Black cowboy community. The events ranged from bull riding and calf roping to more unconventional spectacles that showcased the creativity and ingenuity of the participants. Many of these rodeos were held in conjunction with Juneteenth celebrations, adding a layer of historical significance. Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, provided a poignant backdrop for these rodeos, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and cultural pride. The rodeos were a testament to the enduring spirit of the Black community, celebrating their heritage and achievements through the lens of cowboy culture. The resurgence of interest in Black rodeos and cowboys in recent years can be attributed to a broader movement towards recognizing and celebrating African American history. This renewed focus has brought to light the contributions of Black cowboys to the Western frontier, challenging the monolithic image of cowboy culture that has long dominated popular imagination. Today, Black rodeos continue to be celebrated, not just as historical events but as living traditions that honor the past while inspiring future generations. Organizations like the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, named after the legendary Black cowboy, play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the legacy of Black cowboys. These modern rodeos continue to draw participants and audiences, keeping the spirit of Black cowboy culture alive and thriving. Click [here](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Pickett) to learn more about Bill Pickett from Wikipedia. Birds’ ‘Juneteenth Rodeo’ offers a window into this vibrant world, capturing moments that are both historical and timeless. The book serves as a bridge between past and present, connecting the legacy of Black rodeos with contemporary efforts to celebrate and preserve this important aspect of American history.
Sarah Bird: The Storyteller Behind the Lens
Sarah Bird’s journey into the world of Black rodeos began with a simple fascination with Texas’s unique cultural tapestry. A newcomer to the state, Bird was captivated by its oddities and eclectic traditions, one of which was the rodeo. However, it wasn’t the mainstream rodeos that caught her interest; it was the offbeat, renegade rodeos that piqued her curiosity. Bird’s passion for photography and storytelling led her to explore various rodeo cultures, from Native American and Mexican charreada to gay and prison rodeos. But it was the Black rodeos that resonated with her the most, offering a rich, untold story that deserved to be shared with the world. Armed with her camera, Bird embarked on a journey to document these events, capturing moments that were both ordinary and extraordinary. The result was a collection of photographs that offered a unique glimpse into the lives of Black cowboys and cowgirls, their struggles, triumphs, and the communities that supported them. However, the road to publishing her work was fraught with challenges. Despite her enthusiasm and the compelling nature of her photographs, Bird faced multiple rejections from publishers who were uninterested in stories about Black cowboys. Undeterred, she continued to document these rodeos, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a belief in the importance of her work. Her perseverance paid off; years later, amid a global pandemic, she rediscovered her old photographs and realized their enduring relevance. With the resurgence of interest in Black history and culture, Bird’s work found a receptive audience eager to learn about the legacy of Black cowboys. Click [here](https://www.netflix.com/) to explore more about the diverse spectrum of modern rodeos on Netflix. ‘Juneteenth Rodeo’ is not just a book; it is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the Black cowboy community. Through her lens, Bird captures the essence of these rodeos, offering a visual narrative that is both educational and inspiring. Her work serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in preserving history and celebrating cultural diversity. Bird’s collaboration with Demetrius Pearson adds depth to the book, blending academic insights with visual storytelling to create a comprehensive and engaging read. Together, they have crafted a work that honors the past while shedding light on an important but often overlooked aspect of American history.
The Cultural Impact of Juneteenth Rodeos
Juneteenth rodeos hold a special place in the cultural landscape of Texas, symbolizing not just the celebration of emancipation but also the enduring spirit and resilience of the Black community. These rodeos, often held in conjunction with Juneteenth celebrations, serve as a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs of African Americans throughout history. The significance of Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, adds a profound layer of meaning to these rodeos. They are not just events but cultural ceremonies that honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future. The rodeos provide a platform for Black cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their skills, celebrate their heritage, and connect with their communities. In many ways, Juneteenth rodeos are a continuation of the tradition of Black rodeos that thrived in the 1970s. These events were community gatherings that celebrated cultural identity and resilience, providing a space for Black cowboys to compete, socialize, and express themselves. The rodeos were a reflection of the broader cultural movement that sought to reclaim and celebrate Black history and heritage. Today, Juneteenth rodeos continue to play an important role in preserving and promoting the legacy of Black cowboys. They are celebrated across Texas and beyond, drawing participants and audiences from diverse backgrounds. The rodeos serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Black community, celebrating their heritage and achievements through the lens of cowboy culture. The cultural impact of Juneteenth rodeos extends beyond the events themselves. They have inspired a broader movement to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black cowboys to the Western frontier. This movement has led to increased awareness and appreciation of Black cowboy culture, challenging the traditional image of the cowboy and highlighting the diversity that has always been a part of this American icon. The resurgence of interest in Black rodeos and cowboys has also led to the creation of new platforms and opportunities for celebrating this important aspect of American history. From books and documentaries to rodeo events and educational programs, there are now more ways than ever to learn about and celebrate the legacy of Black cowboys. ‘Juneteenth Rodeo’ by Sarah Bird is a significant contribution to this movement, offering a visual narrative that captures the essence of these rodeos and the cultural significance they hold. Through her work, Bird not only preserves the history of Black rodeos but also inspires future generations to celebrate and honor this important aspect of American heritage.
The Future of Black Rodeos and Cultural Heritage
The future of Black rodeos and the celebration of cultural heritage looks promising, thanks to the efforts of individuals like Sarah Bird and organizations dedicated to preserving this important aspect of American history. The resurgence of interest in Black cowboy culture has led to increased recognition and appreciation, paving the way for a brighter future for Black rodeos. One of the key factors driving this renewed interest is the growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in all aspects of American life. As society becomes more aware of the contributions of marginalized communities, there is a greater willingness to celebrate and honor their cultural heritage. This has created a receptive audience for stories and events that highlight the legacy of Black cowboys. The role of organizations like the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo cannot be overstated. These organizations play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Black cowboy culture, providing a platform for Black cowboys and cowgirls to showcase their skills and celebrate their heritage. They also serve as educational resources, offering programs and events that educate the public about the history and significance of Black rodeos. Click [here](https://www.youtube.com/) to watch videos and learn more about modern rodeos on YouTube. The future of Black rodeos also depends on the continued efforts of storytellers and historians like Sarah Bird and Demetrius Pearson. Their work in documenting and preserving the history of Black rodeos is essential for ensuring that this important aspect of American history is not forgotten. By capturing and sharing the stories of Black cowboys, they help to keep the legacy alive and inspire future generations to celebrate and honor their heritage. Looking ahead, there are several exciting developments on the horizon for Black rodeos. There is a growing interest in creating new rodeo events and platforms that celebrate the heritage and contributions of Black cowboys. These events provide opportunities for Black cowboys and cowgirls to compete, socialize, and connect with their communities, ensuring that the tradition of Black rodeos continues to thrive. The impact of media and technology also offers new opportunities for promoting and celebrating Black rodeo culture. From documentaries and films to online platforms and social media, there are now more ways than ever to reach a global audience and share the stories of Black cowboys. This increased visibility helps to raise awareness and appreciation for Black cowboy culture, ensuring that it remains an important part of American history. ‘Juneteenth Rodeo’ by Sarah Bird is a testament to the enduring legacy of Black rodeos and the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage. Through her work, Bird captures the essence of these rodeos and the significance they hold, offering a visual narrative that is both educational and inspiring. As we look to the future, it is clear that the tradition of Black rodeos will continue to thrive, thanks to the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to preserving this important aspect of American history.