MLK African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions Returns to the National Western Stock Show

The MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions will return to Denver on Jan. 20, celebrating the history and heritage of Black cowboys and cowgirls while honoring the legacy of rodeo champion, Willie “Bill” Pickett, and the life of civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. 

Each year, the rodeo returns to the Mile High City on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highlighting men and women who work hard to perfect their performance in the equestrian sport. In addition to being a fun, family-friendly activity, the event reminds audiences of the contributions made by Black people to the American West. 

For longtime rodeo-enthusiast, 76-year old Maurice Wade, the yearly rodeo is a tradition that keeps the spirit of the Wild West alive. 

A Colorado Cowboy

“All I wanted to be growing up was a cowboy,” says Wade, whose smile peeks out from under his trademark wide-brimmed hat. 

Recalling his early passion for rodeo, he shares, “We rode old brooms that our parents threw away…that love for the lifestyle just stayed with me.” 

After a childhood spent riding imaginary stick horses through the inner cities of Michigan, and spending time on his grandfather’s Mississippi farm, Wade entered the military and found himself in Vietnam during the brutal, intercontinental conflict, before being stationed at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora. 

It was in Colorado that he was introduced to the western way of life for the very first time. 

He spent time in the sprawling ranch environments the front range had to offer, ultimately realizing his childhood dream of becoming a cowboy through hard work and dedication. Eventually, he helped organize the very first Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR). 

In 1984, show promoter Lu Vason took an interest in preserving the history of Black cowboys. He founded the invitational rodeo as a tribute to Pickett, recognizing the cultural significance of his role as a cowboy, rodeo performer and actor. 

Wade recalls the very first rodeo, which was held at the Adams County fairgrounds in Brighton, saying, “That was the first time I had ever seen that many Black cowboys in my life.” 

“After that first rodeo, Lu had this idea to take the rodeo out of the country. He wanted to take Black cowboys and Black cowgirls to all the major metropolitan cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida and Philadelphia.” 

Thinking back to Vason’s decision to take the show on the road, he says “all the stars lined up for him.” 

The event, known as the “greatest show on dirt,” grew into the longest running Black rodeo in the nation, and the only Black touring rodeo in the world. 

After Vason’s death in 2015, his wife, Valeria Howard Cunningham, continued the rodeo’s legacy. 

Wade, a champion cattle roper, supports BPIR and remains committed to educating people about the history of Black cowboys and cowgirls and their contributions to the American West. 

Preserving History

Located in the historic Five Points District, a small, brick building holds a treasure trove of relics and artifacts that tell the history of Black Americans west of the Mississippi. Unlike any other museum in Denver, stepping inside of the building is like stepping into a time capsule. 

“You’ll see all those Black cowboys…like Nat Love and Stagecoach Mary Fields,” says Wade. 

Created in 1971 by Paul W. Stewart, the Black American West Museum (BAWM) is housed inside the home of Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado’s first Black licensed female physician. It highlights stories of Black Americans who settled in the West – people who worked to build the foundation of this country during its expansion, whose contributions are often overlooked. 

Stewart’s love of storytelling brought the history of Black settlers to life within the walls of BAWM, with exhibits curated to emphasize distinct stories and educate young people. 

“To talk about Black cowboys, Paul Stewart learned so much of them from the West,” says BAWM Volunteer and Board Member, Terri Gentry, who has given tours of the museum for nearly 50 years. 

Descended from the first licensed Black dentist in Colorado, Gentry is a historian who highlights the importance of knowing the history of Buffalo Soldiers and Black American cowboys who traveled hundreds of miles through dangerous terrain to stake out a life in the region. 

“For me, the Black American West Museum speaks to me about my own family history and an incredible community – we have an amazing community that we love celebrating. The museum captures different aspects of that community,” Gentry says, mentioning the community forged between settlers and cowboys in the 1800s as people fought to survive in treacherous conditions.  

“When you talk about Black cowboys, it’s about more than just our story. We need to know and study the perspectives and history of Native Americans and those with Mexican ancestry – all of the different populations that were here, because it’s not an isolated story.”

“All of this history is overlapping and combined,” she says, pointing out that rodeos increase representation of a sport and industry that Black Americans were once excluded from, despite having worked on ranches for very low wages. Modern rodeos are a vehicle for Black cowboys and cowgirls to reclaim their rightful name after being stripped of the privilege for so long. 

Historical Education for Future Generations

“The history of Blacks in the American West is often forgotten about; it’s neither written nor talked about,” says Terrance Carroll, former Colorado Speaker of the State House of Representatives. 

As a member of the National Western Stock Show Board of Directors, Carroll engages with Colorado communities and educates individuals about the forgotten history of Black cowboys. 

“Most times, when you learn about cowboys it’s from John Wayne movies, and you’d never know Black cowboys were around,” he admits. 

Born in Washington, D.C., the former legislator didn’t understand that there were Black cowboys until moving to Denver and visiting BAWM. 

He says, “The first time I went there, my mind was blown.”

When it comes to BPIR, Caroll points to exposure to history as the biggest takeaway of the event. He says that making people aware of the role of Black people in the American West is an ongoing task, but an important one. 

“Valeria has taken the Bill Pickett Rodeo and continued its legacy,” he continues, referencing increased community engagement throughout the years. 

“There are sold out shows around the country every year. It’s undeniable what she’s done!”

A Rodeo, and More

Throughout the year, BPIR and community sponsored events hold competitions for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages, who compete in calf roping, barrel racing, bull riding and more. 

The rodeo’s mission is to highlight and reintroduce modern Black western heritage, while providing entertainment and education on a national level. 

In an effort to support underserved communities, the Bill Pickett Foundation provides scholarships and funding for STEM-focused programs. 

BPIR is preserving history, increasing equity and supporting the passions of rodeo participants, while inviting Denver residents and visitors to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. in a fun and safe environment..

Editor’s note: Tickets to the MLK African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions are available at www.billpickettrodeo.com.