'We’re in a brotherhood now': the Bill Pickett rodeo
For several years, Chloe Kerleroux has been photographing African American cowboy communities in the southern US. Her work has mainly focused on trail rides: large gatherings where horses, music, dancing, family and community life come together. This year, she explored rodeo culture including at the Bill Pickett invitational in Atlanta
TL;DR
- Black cowboys played a significant role in the American West, with historians estimating about one in four cowboys were Black by the late 19th century.
- Bill Pickett, a celebrated Black cowboy and rodeo performer, popularized bulldogging, which evolved into modern steer wrestling.
- The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo was created by Lu Vason in 1984 to provide a platform for Black cowboys and cowgirls.
- The rodeo tour travels across the US, including stops in Memphis, Atlanta, Oakland, and Los Angeles.
- Riders like Rachied Robins (Django) of the Outlaws Most Wanted team describe the event as a 'brotherhood' and a 'refuge' in the horse world.
- The rodeo features a blend of solemn traditions, like the national anthem, and energetic modern elements, including hip-hop music.
- The event emphasizes community, passing on history, and showcasing the contemporary culture of Black cowboys.
- For riders, the rodeo is about more than prize money; it's about respect, ranking, and representing their heritage.
- The rodeo aims to inspire young people to pursue positive paths, avoid negative statistics, and be proud of their heritage.