As we kick off another rodeo season in Houston, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the legacy of Black cowboys—trailblazers whose contributions to the Wild West have often been overlooked.
Thanks to University of Houston students diving into the history of Black cowboys and Black towns, this rodeo season brings a fresh perspective on this often-neglected chapter of American history.
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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.
A Virtual Exhibit to Explore
To help share this history, the students created a virtual exhibit for rodeo-goers to explore and learn more about the impact of Black towns. [You can visit the exhibit by clicking here.]
Attendees could also learn a line dance or two if they stuck around long enough which highlights the duality of the class.
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter has played a major role in sparking these conversations in Before Cowboy Carter: Black Towns, Black Freedom, a class taught by Dr. Alicia Odewale.
You can listen to a curated playlist by Before Cowboy Carter: Black Towns, Black Freedom students below:
Students favorite song from Cowboy Carter
- Xavier Daughtery: “Texas Hold ‘Em” & “Sweet Honey Buckin’,” featuring Shaboozey
- Johneika Clark: II MOST WANTED
The Forgotten Legacy of Black Towns
Dr. Odewale emphasizes the need to keep Black towns in the conversation, even if they no longer appear on modern maps.
“Black towns are here to stay,” she says. “No matter if they’re under threat, abandoned, or not on the map anymore, we can always keep talking about them.”
Just as Cowboy Carter brings visibility to Black cowboys, students in this course are working to make sure the history of Black towns is not forgotten.
Xavier Daughtery, an English major and poet, was deeply moved by learning about Black towns that once thrived across America.
“We really had a forefront in trying to build this country, especially in expanding,” he says. “We had our own Black towns that go unnoticed and unrecognized.”
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Despite immense challenges, these communities fought for their version of the American dream—one that has largely been erased from mainstream history.
The Truth About the First Cowboys
The class has also led to eye-opening discoveries for students. “The first cowboys were Black,” says Kavon Griggs, a sophomore. “It’s mind-blowing to see how they were made to do these jobs. And the narratives have been changed, especially in media, portraying the first cowboys as white.”
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter helps reclaim this lost history, making it clear that Black cowboys were the true pioneers of the West—not just the figures commonly depicted in movies and TV shows. Through her music, students have been able to imagine what life was like for Black cowboys on the frontier before and after the Civil War.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
For Selena Singleton, a senior at UH, the legacy of Black cowboys is a testament to resilience.
“The legacy of Black cowboys goes much deeper than they teach us,” she says. “It speaks to the resiliency of the culture.”
From battling racial injustice to surviving the harsh realities of the Wild West, Black cowboys endured it all.
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More Than Just Ranch Hands
Johneika Clark, another student in the class, was struck by how Black cowboys weren’t just laborers—they were also protectors of their communities.
“Black cowboys are protectors,” she says. “I’m just glad we have this course on campus so we can spread the word to everyone, and hopefully more Black people will start to appreciate this culture and spread it for generations.”
Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter shines a light on this truth, showing how Black cowboys played a crucial role in defending their communities and paving the way for future generations.
Bringing History to Rodeo Season
As rodeo season continues, these students are eager to share what they’ve learned about Black cowboys and Black towns.
“We want people to understand and appreciate this culture,” Johneika says. The rodeo isn’t just about the thrills—it’s about recognizing the people who helped build the traditions we celebrate today.
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This rodeo season, let’s take a moment to remember the unsung heroes who helped shape the American West. From the Black cowboys who led the way to the Black towns they built, their impact is still felt today.
Catch up on Cowboy Carter Chronicles:
- WEEK 2: A snowy pause in our journey
