History, in the Ring

If you're from Texas, chances are you took Texas history in junior high school. And if you took Texas history, you might have learned about Bill Pickett, the famous black cowboy from Taylor, Texas. Pickett's claim to cowboy fame was his "bulldogging." After twisting the steer's head upward, he'd bite its lip until it was completely subdued. You heard me. And Pickett wasn't the only black cowboy around either. There was also Bose Ikard, who opened the Goodnight-Loving Trail, as well as Johanna July, a Black Seminole woman who trained horses for U.S. soldiers. Some black cowboys took up careers as rodeo performers or federal peace officers in Indian Territory. Others owned farms and ranches, and still others became gunfighters and outlaws. On Saturday at 8 p.m., the 21st Texas Black Invitational Rodeo will be held at Fair Park Coliseum. See African-American cowboys and cowgirls compete in bronco riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, bull riding and barrel racing. Tickets are $15 for box seats and general admission is $7. Parking is $8. Call 214-565-9026, ext. 305 or e-mail rodeo@aamdallas.org.
Sat., May 27, 8 p.m.