By Milbert O. Brown Jr.
Special to the AFRO
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo’s National Rodeo Finals was held Sept. 21 at the Show Place Area in Upper Marlboro, Md.
Often referred to as the “Greatest Show on Dirt, ” the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) began in 1984 and this year celebrates its 40th anniversary of highlighting the Black cowboys and cowgirls and the rodeo culture that helped build the western part of the United States.
Kylan Williams, 3, from Tulsa, OK practices the art of roping from his family as he plays in the cowboy stable area. His following in his father’s footsteps, one of the rodeos featured cowboys. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Kylan Williams, 3, from Tulsa, OK practices the art of roping from his family as he plays in the cowboy stable area. His following in his father’s footsteps, one of the rodeos featured cowboys. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Kisha Bowles from Largo, MD, in the BPIR stable area. She specializes in horse relay race events during the rodeo. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Sammy Clemons from Plummerville, Ark stands near his horse stable. He work with and sponsoring his daughter in the National Rodeo Finals.(Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Nylah Pope, 9, from Maryland hanging out with her aunt—one of the cowgirls.(Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Rodeo Cowgirls–Tig Pinkney from Calvert County, MD., (on left) with Jazzy Layse from Burkeville, TX. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Chris Rolling from Huntsville, TX participates in the Calf Roping event at the National Rodeo Finals. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Jaylen Minor of Anderson, TX warming up his horse before the start of the BPIR National Rodeo Finals. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Rodeo participants talking before the start of the National Rodeo Finals event. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Kanisha Jackson from Texas stands near the arena’s entrance before being introduced as on the rodeo’s top competitors. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Kimberly Whayne of Preston, OK participants in the Ladies Barrel Racing event at National Rodeo Finals. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
Chris Rolling from Huntsville, TX participates in the Calf Roping event at the National Rodeo Finals. (Photos courtesy of Milbert O. Brown Jr.)
The BPIR is more than just a rodeo; it’s a platform that reintroduces an essential aspect of Black western heritage into contemporary society. The BPIR also serves as a cultural event and opportunity for families to enjoy and embrace the cowboy culture while being educated and entertained with reenactments, history highlights and western adventure.
In 2024, the BPIR will feature four rodeos in Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Co.; Memphis, Tenn.; Oakland, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif. and Atlanta, Ga.
