At the African American Museum in Dallas, visitors learn the American Old West was really the Black West. “Black Cowboys: An American Story” expands the story of Hollywood’s favorite heroes to include the Black men and women who worked on the cattle drives and ranches. The exhibition is on view at the Fair Park museum through April 15.
“He tells basically the everyday life of what it was like to be a Black cowboy in 1865 through 1890s,” Dulaney said.
Eventually, the cattle trails moved west, and Black cowboys did the work as part of their enslavement. The exhibition shows how Black cowboys used their skills for performances in rodeos, music, and film. In 1964, Myrtis Dightman became the first African American to compete in the National Finals Rodeo, earning the nickname “The Jackie Robinson of Professional Rodeo.” Bill Pickett, born on Jenks-Branch, a Freedman Colony near Austin in 1870, worked as a cowboy and performer in rodeos and Wild West shows before becoming the first Black film star.
Understanding how integral Black cowboys were to the economy shows how important they were to Texas history.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Letters to the Editor — Dallas Cowboys, American tennis, Baylor University, TCURe: “Cowboys’ problems unfixable — Team structure causing issues won’t change soon. Or maybe ever,” by Tim Cowlishaw, Wednesday SportsDay column. Best. Column. ...
Read more »
20+ ways to celebrate Black History Month in the Bay AreaFebruary is Black History Month, also known as African American History Month, an annual observance dedicated to recognizing the triumphs and struggles of African Americans and the greater Black ex…
Read more »
College Board: States have not influenced our new African American studies courseThe College Board rebuked claims that Florida and other states influenced its decision to change the framework of its AP African American studies course. The course has 'been shaped only by the input of experts and long-standing AP principles,' it said.
Read more »
Cedar Hill Artist a Finalist in Nationwide Competition; Work Displayed at African American MuseumAn artist from Cedar Hill is among 50 artists selected from hundreds of entries nationwide to be featured at the African American Museum of Dallas.
Read more »
Critics say Florida aims to rewrite history by rejecting African American studies'One Governor should not have the power to dictate the facts of U.S. history,' Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said of GOP Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' move to ban an African American studies AP course.
Read more »