Bill Pickett Rodeo Invitational brings the ‘Greatest Show on Dirt’ to Fort Worth Stockyards
By: Rebecca Briscoe
Photo Credit: BullStock
May 18th will always be a day for my son to remember. Prayers were up as we left the Bayou City to North Texas avoiding the aftermath of a major storm. Growing up in southeast Texas, I was aware of cowboy culture because my great uncle had a stable of quarter horses and would take us to some of the local rodeos; however, I never knew there was an actual African American led rodeo in existence. The experience was electrifying where my son was glued to his seat from the competitive feats and the sounds from DJ Music Man kept us on the beat at Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, TX.
That weekend, The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) joined forces with the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) in Fort Worth, TX, for an unforgettable western experience of two shows drawing crowds of thousands to the Cowtown Coliseum. The event kicked off with a stunning performance by national recording artist Howard Johnson at the BPIR Ft. Worth Texas Connections Series. Johnson captivated the audience with renditions of “Last Train Home,” by Pat Metheny, the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and introduced a new Bill Pickett Rodeo song, “It’s My Rodeo.”
The rodeo opened with America’s favorite doctor James Pickens, from Grey’s Anatomy, on horse and (BPIR) Honorary Grand Marshal. As a long-time supporter of (BPIR), Pickens has served as the Deputy Grand Marshal of this rodeo for 30 years.
The rodeo showcased fierce competition across nine events, with fast-paced action, impressive catches, thrilling rides, and dramatic misses. The Peewee division stole the show, drawing standing ovations and loud cheers from the audience as the young contestants displayed their skills. Winners from each event proudly took home their prizes, satisfying both the crowd and them.
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Through the support and generosity of BPIR Sponsors such as: Ariat, Crown Royal, US Border Patrol, Upscale Magazine and Yeti, they can fulfill their mission, offer generous prizes, and engage youth with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF). For 40 years, the BPIRF has remained committed to rodeo, education, and legacy, introducing new initiatives nationwide, including regional scholarships, community wellness programs, Rodeo for Kidz Sake, and Anti-Violence Venture, aimed at uplifting youth and communities.
There is still time to catch your seat at the next Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo with another date in Fort Worth on Saturday, August 17.
About the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo: “Celebrating 40 years of the Black Cowboy and Cowgirl”
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo celebrates and honors Black Cowboys and Cowgirls and their contributions to building the west. They highlight the irrefutable global appeal of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls in the West and the stories behind a sub-culture that is still strong today. BPIR also serves as a cultural event and opportunity for families to enjoy and embrace the cowboy culture, while being educated and entertained with reenactments, history highlights, and western adventure. For more information, visit https://billpickettrodeo.com/
