It’s A Good Day To Talk About Bill Pickett Education Foundation Continues the Family Legacy
F
or Gerald Anderson, pioneering runs in the family. As Executive Director of the Bill Pickett Educational Foundation, he is very proud to continue the enduring legacy of his great uncle, Bill Pickett. Bill was born near Liberty Hill and became his generation’s most famous African-American cowboy and rodeo star. Plus, aside from his amazing rodeo career, he was also an inventor, entertainer, and movie star. Mr. Pickett was born in the Jenks-Branch community in 1870. His parents were former slaves and, legend has it, he earned the title “cowboy” in the 5th grade. As he grew, his cowboy skills were unmatched and he even invented a style of steer wrangling called “Bulldogging.” His prowess and popularity grew to the point that he toured the nation with the “101 Ranch Wild West Show” and appeared in several movies. See page 8 for more.
THE FOUNDATION For Gerald, it wasn’t enough just to hear stories of one of Texas’ most famous cowboys. When his grandmother passed in 2000, he found her collection of photos and articles and resolved to continue her work; he looked for people to talk to about Bill Pickett wherever he could. “It was history that needed to be told. I felt like no one was talking about him any more, so I picked up where my grandmother left off.” He has since taken it upon himself to give presentations and speak about his uncle to audiences far and wide. With exhibits and family stories, he visits libraries, schools, and is a regular presenter at Juneteenth and Black History Month events.
by Ann Marie Kennon • Photos courtesy of Gerald Anderson AU G U S T 2 0 2 0 L I B E R T Y H I L L D I G E ST
7
