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African-American Cowboys Preach Values of
Rodeo
In today’s world,
African-American cowboys see the profession taking on a new role in teaching
and shaping the hearts and values of challenged, disadvantaged young black
youth
“We have a tremendous opportunity to build on this rich heritage by using it
to help our youth,” said David “Rookie” Brooks, a third generation black
cowboy from Mansfield near Fort Worth. “We can save a lot of kids from gangs
and streets, redirect that energy in a non-violent positive way that helps
our young people find their way in life.”
Brooks, who comes from family of 15, started working on ranches training
horses, bull-riding, roping calves and learning cowboy skills from his
uncles 27 years ago, is one of the highlighting stars in the 2004 Cowboys of
Color Invitational Southwest tour that visited Fort Worth last week.
The rodeo includes calf roping; barrel racing, bull riding, horseback
riding, relays and more.
According to Brooks, he was inspired by former black cowboy greats Nate
Love, Bill Pickett and Myrtis Dightman and numerous other stories passed to
his generation about the many great African Americans who helped tame and
settle the great southwest.
Pickett inspired many African American cowboys and is the first African
American voted into Oklahoma City’s Cowboy Hall of Fame and is known as the
father of “bulldogging”, an unusual style of steer wrestling that uses the
teeth to subdue a steer. A bronze statue of Pickett stands as a tribute to
his accomplishments at the Fort Worth Cowtown Coliseum.
“This rodeo is one way to expose our youth to the Black history and
excitement of cowboy sports,” he said. “However, we need more support and
opportunities in the community for youth to come and participate.”
Like Brooks, J.W. Hutson is working to transfer the history and skills of
the African American cowboy and rodeo to the next generation.
“We must never keep our history alive and never forget it,” Hutson said.
“Too much is being lost. The black cowboy played a vital part in developing
America and youth need to be aware of this.”
Hutson, 53, is active in rodeos; works with Dallas youth in schools shares
the excitement of rodeo and his experiences on a regular basis.
“This was the first equal opportunity institution in this country,” he said.
“Our goal is to educate kids on how this is linked to African American
history and to get them involved.”
According to Hutson, the value of rodeo helps build character in youth by
teaching discipline and promoting respect for people, animals and the
importance of responsibility.
“These are valuable lessons in life that go far beyond the dirt, mud, roping
and riding,” he said. “It is a program that teaches you how to develop
relationships, forge friendships and respect for rules and competition and
those are invaluable life skills that help the total community.”
Cowboy professional and promoter Cleo Hearn said today’s cowboys are a
tremendous testimony to the perseverance of African American savvy and
talent.
Hearn started in rodeo after meeting famous black cowboy Marvel Rogers in
Oklahoma. Hearn gave up baseball for rodeo and has dedicated his life to
educating, entertaining youth and family about the value of rodeo to
developing family ties.
According to Hearn, some of the greatest changes in rodeo today compared to
the days of segregation are that more and more black cowboys are financially
independent and come from all walks of life to rodeo.
Prior to integration, many black cowboys were forced to learn and perform
behind the scenes or after white cowboys held their shows.
“They also represent a growing segment of black economic power in the
African American community,” he said. “We are making an economic statement
and combined with the history of our survival represents and
sends a strong message about the strength African Americans as a people.”
Black professionals touring with the rodeo today include successful pilots,
teachers, doctors, lawyers and business and members the media.
“It demonstrates how far we have come and the talents and skills we have
that many are unaware of,” Hearn said, “I am proud of this long heritage and
believe our youth can benefit and learn from the role models we have doing
this today.”
Known as “Mr. Black Cowboy”, Hearn believes that rodeo strengthens family
values and proved that by transferring his hard work and knowledge to his
four sons who today work with him to produce the “Cowboy of Color” rodeos
and competes nationwide.
He also paved the way for aspiring black cowboys founding the American Black
Cowboys Association.
“We can learn from people of the old west,” he said. “People depended on
each other, worked together and survived and we need more of that,
especially when it comes to preparing children for life.”
Hearn’s message and efforts have grown into a major annual event for Fort
Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Mesquite and Oklahoma.
Like Brooks and Hutson, Hearn also sees involvement as a way to bridge
racial gaps and keep youth out of gangs and trouble.
He said his goal is to continue promoting the values of rodeo among families
and youth in working and building their dreams as long as he is able. “I
believe to be happy in life you need three things,” he said. “Something to
love, something to do and something to look forward to and rodeo has the
power to fill those needs in the lives of many of our youth.”
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