We examine the complicated and multi-‐dimensional roles that African American cowboys played in rodeo from its conception in the late nineteenth century. From rodeo’s beginnings, the visual representation of what rodeo was and is portrays a white sport; however, upon further inspection there are many unsung rodeo stars and heroes that have been left out of the narrative, specifically African American cowboys. (Paper presentation)
Let’s Go, Let’s Show, Let’s Rodeo: African American Involvement in Rodeo
1. This Ain’t My First Rodeo: Ethnic Minority Involvement in Rodeo By Dr . Tracey Owens Patton Research co-author: Sally Schedlock, MA Presented at ShephardSymposium for Social Justice April 7, 2011
2. Goal Our book-in-progress examines over one hundred years of rodeo and its tumultuous relationship with cowgirls and ethnic minorities.
3. Summary verview Rodeo’s history is viewed as traditionally White: however, rodeo has many Ethnic Minority influences that have been overlooked Rodeo has a history of covert and overt racism that is rarely acknowledged
4. In this presentation, we will discuss Chapter 7: the involvement of ethnic minority participants in rodeo from the inception of rodeo to present day. Thus, the research question is: RQ: What are the roles Ethnic Minority Cowboy/Cowgirls participate in rodeo past to present?
5. African American Rodeo History ٭§ Been involved in Agriculture since slavery ٭§ Active rodeo participants since 1800’s
6. Bill Pickett Bill Pickett, founder of modern steer wrestling in a signature move. (photo courtesy of BillPickett.com)
7. Jackson Sundown, George Fletcher, John Spain Jackson Sundown at the Pendleton Roundup, n.d. (angelaswedberg.blogspot.com). George Fletcher at the Pendleton Roundup, n.d.) ((www.historycooperative.org) John Spain at the Pendleton Rodeo, n.d. (historycooperative.org).
8. Fred Whitfield “Like a lion poised to pounce, Whitfield sets up for a winning run at La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Rodeo in Tucson” (Ehringer, 1999, p. 205).
9. Jessie Stahl Photo courtesy of American Heritage Center, Laramie, Wyoming
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11. American Indian involvement rodeo is still limited to “exotic” other i.e. rodeo Indian races, teepee shows, and Indian dances.
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13. After the Mexican War 1846-48: Vaqueros taught Anglos how to ride, rope, and work cattle—which then also helped build the foundation for modern rodeo
16. Due to cultural constraints (collectivistic vs. individualistic) impacted the role of EM cowgirl involvement.
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18. Reasons Ethnic Cowgirls and Cowboys are marginalized in rodeo roles ٭ § Racist standards marginalized rodeo contestants achievements and cast them in roles of “exotic other” ٭§ Covert and overt racism ٭§ Jim Crow and Segregation Laws influenced rodeo’s history ٭§ 1950’s Southwestern Colored Cowboy’s Association created own circuit
19. Modern Day Rodeo Ethnic Minority Cowgirls like Kaila Mussell, and Cowboys like Fred Whitfield and Abe Morris create a new emerging roles where both genders are able to compete in an equal arena. The changes are small but significant as the their competition in the larger circuits such as the PRCA does allow more Ethnic Minority cowboys and cowgirls to compete as equals
