Houston – A true pioneer in the rodeo world, Beaumont native Acynthia Villery has dedicated nearly four decades to preserving Black cowboy culture. Villery, a third-generation rodeo professional, recently made history as one of the first women to be inducted into the Black Cowboy Museum Hall of Fame in Rosenberg.
Villery is a longtime member of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, where she broke barriers as the first African American female rodeo announcer. She now serves as the organization’s Social Media Director, helping to amplify the rodeo’s mission across the country. Founded in 1984, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo travels nationwide to showcase Black western heritage through powerful performances and community education.
In addition to her Hall of Fame honor, Villery has earned numerous accolades, including two Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards, an Honorary Doctorate in Humanitarianism, and even a city proclamation declaring February 24 as “Acynthia Villery Day” in Houston.
During her interview with Houston Life co-host Derrick Shore, Villery emphasized the importance of representation and storytelling because it continues to inspire, not only through her voice and leadership but also by opening doors for young Black girls who may not have seen themselves in the world of rodeo before.
The Black Cowboy Museum is a self-guided experience dedicated to sharing the untold stories of Black cowboys and cowgirls who helped shape American history.
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