History reveals a more diverse reality than Hollywood. Black cowboys excelled in rodeos and Wild West shows. Riders like William “Bill” Pickett showcased extraordinary horsemanship and roping skills, captivating audiences across the country. In fact, Bill Pickett was one of the most famous cowboys of all time. His performances shattered racial stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Black rodeo athletes.
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Black cowboys like Nat Love, aka Deadwood Dick (pictured here) (1854-1921) played a major role in shaping the frontier and cattle industry. Freed slaves, former soldiers, and adventurous individuals worked as cowhands, wranglers, trail drivers, and rodeo performers. Black cowboys faced racism and discrimination but nevertheless left an indelible mark on Western history.
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Black cowboys were instrumental in the massive cattle drives that brought herds from Texas to railheads in the North. They endured long, arduous journeys, managing large herds across treacherous terrains while facing harsh weather conditions. Despite the lack of recognition, their tireless efforts helped fuel the booming cattle industry.
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Daniel Webster Wallace (1860-1939), was a cowboy who in 1887 moved his cattle to about 1,280 acres which he had purchased in 1885 and started ranching for himself southeast of Loraine in Mitchell County. Webster became one of the most respected black ranchers of his time. He died on March 28, 1939, leaving an estate worth more than $1 million, and was buried on his ranch.
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Black cowboys like were masters of horsemanship, roping, and cattle handling. Their deep understanding of the land and livestock made them invaluable contributors to the ranching industry. Many possessed exceptional skills in breaking wild horses, earning reputations as skilled bronco busters.
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The resilience, skill, and indomitable spirit of individuals like Bose Ikard (1843-1929), who became one of the most famous Black frontiersmen and traildrivers in Texas, deserve recognition and celebration. It is through remembering and sharing stories like his that we continue to rectify historical omissions and appreciate the diverse narratives that shaped the American West.
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The legacy of Black cowboys extends beyond their immediate contributions. Their presence in the Old West challenged racial stereotypes, defied societal norms, and inspired generations to pursue their dreams despite adversity. Their resilience and determination paved the way for greater diversity and representation in Western culture.
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https://centerofthewest.org/2021/12/14/points-west-black-cowboys/
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By shedding light on their contributions, we honor their legacy and ensure their rightful place in the tapestry of American history.
Even today, Black cowboys and girls roam the range.
Resources:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/lesser-known-history-african-american-cowboys-180962144/
https://www.blm.gov/blog/2022-02-22/black-history-month-black-cowboys-american-frontier
https://centerofthewest.org/2021/12/14/points-west-black-cowboys/
People have a perception of cowboys as being white, but people of color have always been a significant portion of the cowboy culture, especially Latinos because the Southwest used to be part of Mexico until we “purchased” that territory from Mexico with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The LGBT+ community is also well represented in cowboy culture.
However, I think I have a different take on this particular one. To me I see injustice in mistreating those who happen to have differences in their DNA that make them a different species, like bovines. I think it's wrong to treat cattle the way that they do in rodeos and on ranches and in slaughter houses simply because the cattle are a different species. I think that racism and speciesism are cut from the same cloth – they both represent injustice.
So although in the 19th and early 20th century black cowboys should be respected in their contemporary, historical contributions, today I think we should look back at what all cowboys did and what ranchers still do today as atrocious.
Animals suffer horribly when they are raised for food and rodeos are probably one of the worst abuses of animals because it's done purely for entertainment. They abuse animals for entertainment and that’s horrible.
That’s my take on it. (for more info see The Dreaded Comparison; Alice Walker and Marjorie Spiegel; 1996) 
Thank you, for these stories about historical black leaders. It’s important that people learn about this.
@Pat no, thank you. Thank you for your thoughtful and contextual perspective and for reading the post.