Cowboys ready to keep history alive

TEXAS BLACK INVITATIONAL RODEO

By Becky Mayad

Grab your cowboy hat, boots and buckles, and ride on over to the 32nd Texas Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, July 31, at 7 p.m. at the Fair Park Coliseum (the Grand Entry Parade begins at 6 p.m.). Presented by the African American Museum, Dallas, the rodeo offers up an exciting family-fun night as approximately 300 African American cowboys and cowgirls compete for cash prizes in bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing, a Pony Express relay race and more. The Coliseum is located in Fair Park at 1438 Coliseum Dr. in Dallas.

“The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, so the African American Museum is especially excited to bring it back in 2021,” said Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., president and CEO of the African American Museum, Dallas. “This event is hugely popular, and we can’t wait to see our daring group of cowboys and cowgirls compete in the newly renovated Fair Park Coliseum.”

Kicking off with the Grand Entry Parade at 6 p.m., this fast-paced sporting event also provides guests with a glimpse of the historical contributions that African Americans made in the settling of the western United States. The event also includes on-field kid’s activities, trick lasso performances, concessions, music and more. 

“My family has been part of this rodeo since day one,” said cowboy Ke’Elronn Hatley, who participates every year in the calf-roping events. “And as much my brothers and I love competing, we’re probably just as proud knowing we’re helping to tell the stories of the Black cowboy and keep that history alive.”  

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the rodeo kicks off at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, and VIP box seats are $25 (plus applicable fees) at fairparktix.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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