In the Cowboy Carter Chronicles, digital producer Jyesha Johnson write a weekly series, delving into the significant Black history and cultural contributions highlighted in the course on the American West.
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On the first day of an African American studies class inspired by Beyoncé‘s Cowboy Carter, Dr. Alicia Odewale made it clear that the course wasn’t just about familiar topics.
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“You all will know a lot more than just the Emancipation Proclamation,” she said. “That’s my goal—to show you there are so many other pathways to freedom, and they’re not all tied to the same narrative. Even though that narrative is important, it’s not the only story.”
This sentiment set the tone for the entire course, which centers on the significant contributions of Black men and women to the American West.
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The class, designed around Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, explores Black freedom beyond the well-known Juneteenth narrative. The Odewale emphasized the importance of understanding the role of Black people in shaping the West, with particular attention to Black towns—especially those in Texas and Oklahoma, where many of these communities thrived.
As the professor shared, “I want you to have a deeper appreciation of the all-Black towns that played a crucial role in building this nation.”
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Sundown towns: A conversation in class
Sundown towns were a topic in class. A student remarked, “We are in Texas,” when the professor asked if the class knew what sundown towns were. The class then delved into the historical context of these towns, where Black people were often forbidden from staying after dark.
Janiyah Lewis, a senior at the University of Houston, is excited to learn more about Black towns. “I know a lot about sundown towns but I don’t know a lot about the history of the West, so I’m looking forward to learning more,” Lewis said.
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She also emphasized the importance of learning more about Black history as she attends a predominantly white institution.
Curating black freedom in the American West
As part of the course, students will be curating stories of Black freedom. The assignments asks them to reflect on what Black freedom looks, feels, and sounds like.
“Every part of this class is connected,” the professor explained, emphasizing that the lessons and experiences build upon each other, creating a holistic understanding of Black history.
This is a class that goes beyond traditional lectures. Students will embark on field trips. Each trip is designed to engage with the physical spaces where Black history took place, offering a deeper connection to the material they study. Alongside the field trips, students will also engage in storytelling, dance, and even archaeology to bring history to life. “No part of this is busy work,” the professor stated. “It’s all about cultural production.”
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Molly Blanchard, a graduate student, is auditing the class because of her interest in Beyoncé and her thesis on racialization processes in childcare practices, specifically in white enclaves in the Houston area.
“I’m a huge Beyonce fan,” Blanchard said.
She became aware of the class through an email and was drawn to Dr. Odewale’s work. Molly is excited to learn about the culture and history that is often overlooked, and she’s looking forward to engaging with the class in person.
A new kind of learning: No exams, just cultural production
This class does away with traditional exams, focusing instead on creative ways to explore and understand history.
Students are expected to engage by curating a story of Black freedom for themselves and share their findings. As the professor pointed out, “You’re not just learning the material—you’re curating it for others who couldn’t take this class.”
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By the end of the semester, students will have a comprehensive understanding of Black history in the West and how it intersects with larger narratives of freedom and resistance.
It’s an exciting and dynamic journey, one that challenges students to think critically and creatively about the role of Black men and women in shaping the American West—and how they can continue to share these stories today.
