Gritty competition part of annual event

By Taylor Mayad

Dust off those cowboy boots and giddy up to the 35th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Fair Park Coliseum (1438 Coliseum Dr., Dallas, Texas 75210). Doors open at 6 p.m., and the Grand Entry Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Presented by the African American Museum, Dallas, the family-fun rodeo features Black cowboys and cowgirls competing for cash prizes in bronc and bull riding, calf and steer roping, barrel racing and a Pony Express relay race plus on-field kids activities, trick lasso performances, concessions, music and more. 

New this year is an intermission performance featuring southern soul singer and Tik Tok sensation Chocolit Tye, a Dallas resident who recently released the hit, “Haters.”

Besides being an exhilarating sporting event, the rodeo also provides guests with a glimpse of the historical contributions that African Americans made in settling the western United States.

“The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is a tried-and-true tradition that’s not only fun for the whole family but serves as an important opportunity to spotlight the often-forgotten history of Black cowboys and cowgirls in Texas and the American West,” said Dr. Harry Robinson, Jr., president and CEO of the African American Museum, Dallas. “Every year a huge crowd experiences the thrilling and gritty competition, but also comes away with a newfound appreciation for the vibrant cowboy culture and the perseverance of the African American men and women behind it.”

For those looking to elevate the weekend, the African American Museum, Dallas will host Boots & Bling on Friday, July 26, from 7 p.m.-midnight. Guests are encouraged to don their best and blingiest western wear and come ready to line dance the night away. Admission is $10, and proceeds benefit the museum. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. 

With proceeds benefiting the African American Museum, Dallas, rodeo tickets are $15, and VIP seats are $35 (plus fees) at fairparktix.com. Tickets are also available at the museum and at the coliseum on the day of the event. (However, last year’s event sold out early.)

For more information, go to aamdallas.org.

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