"Not Our First Rodeo: The Resurgence of Black Rodeos and Country Music.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the Neshoba County Coliseum in Philadelphia, Mississippi, came alive, marking the start of the 2024 Philadelphia Black Rodeo. This event is more than a showcase of impressive rodeo skills; it's a vivid celebration of African American heritage and the rich history of Black cowboys and cowgirls.

The Philadelphia Black Rodeo is a testament to endurance and community spirit. It honors legends like Bill Pickett, the pioneering cowboy who invented bulldogging, and others like Abe Morris, who navigated the challenges of racial discrimination. Their stories inspire the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, which continues to spotlight the contributions of Black rodeo athletes often overlooked in mainstream circuits.

The energy in the coliseum was palpable. Competitors decked out in fringed gear and boots, weren’t just participants; they were living embodiments of a proud tradition, each performance a thread in the ongoing narrative of resilience and cultural pride.

This spirit resonates in modern culture too, notably in Beyoncé’s 2024 album, "Cowboy Carter." The album merges the soul of country music with the essence of the Black rodeo experience, featuring collaborations with icons like Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Dolly Parton. It's a cultural bridge from past to present, celebrating the enduring influence of Black culture within the genre.

To truly appreciate this event's significance, it's essential to acknowledge the historical context. Post-Civil War, one in four cowboys was Black, playing a crucial role in shaping the American West—a fact often left out of mainstream narratives. Today’s Black Rodeo brings this history to the forefront, celebrating a vibrant subculture where Black cowboys and cowgirls thrive.

As a photographer, my goal is to capture this rich heritage. Each photo, from candid moments of laughter to the intense focus in the competitors' eyes, tells part of a larger story. These images are not just snapshots; they are pieces of a narrative that speaks to strength, resilience, and joy.

In capturing these moments, the legacy of the Black rodeo is preserved, a vibrant reminder of past struggles and achievements, and a beacon of future possibilities. The sounds of "Cowboy Carter" underscore this narrative, weaving Beyoncé's melodies into the fabric of the rodeo, celebrating a history that is both profound and profoundly American. This history is not just a relic of the past; it's a living, evolving story of cultural richness and community strength.