Justin Willis holds on as a bull erupts from a chute at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in 2021 in Las Vegas. Photo: Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
The 36th annual Texas Black Invitational Rodeo gallops into Fair Park on Saturday, offering a high-energy night of barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling and more.
The rodeo is presented by the African American Museum of Dallas, and proceeds support its mission to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture.
Why it matters: The event celebrates the legacy of Black cowboys, stories often left out of traditional Western history.
Nearly 40 years ago, rodeo legend Cleo Hearn partnered with Harry Robinson Jr., founder of the African American Museum of Dallas, to launch the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo.
According to KERA, Robinson believed the event could spotlight the often-overlooked role of Black cowboys, ranchers, and rodeo performers in Western culture.
What to expect: The family-friendly rodeo features cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes in bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, and barrel racing. It kicks off with a Grand Entry Parade and includes trick lasso performances, music and more.
If you go: 7pm at Fair Park Coliseum. The event is officially sold out, but tickets are available on resale sites.
Boots & Bling, a pre-rodeo party at the African American Museum features line dancing and food trucks. 7-10pm Friday. $13.
