When we ended our 35th Anniversary celebration in 2019, no one knew how the world would change and that we would experience a Pandemic of significant proportions. We ushered 2020 in celebrating our 36th Anniversary season in January, with the MLK Jr. Rodeo in Denver, Colorado. At that rodeo, you could feel that something was not quite right. No one knew what was happening, but people started getting sick and before long, the world was in the midst of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Everything was shutting down and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo was no different. Our 2020 season was cancelled. However, while on pause, we tried to keep you entertained with a virtual rodeo experience along with a series dedicated to the future generations of rodeos. We were all struggling with this new way of life as most of us have never experienced a pandemic. I was feeling helpless, but it was very important to me, to stay connected as we navigated the unknown road. While many caught the virus, many died, and many felt hopeless, we did everything we could to keep you informed about Covid and how to protect yourselves and your family. 2020 was probably the most challenging year for all of us and we were looking for a new tide in 2021. Things were looking better but the pandemic was not quite ready to leave so we had to keep our 2021 season on pause. As 2021 progressed, the shutdown of the country began to show signs of recovery. Knowing that it was too late to produce our tour, we partnered with the PBR to bring the BPIR Showdown in Las Vegas with our top champions from 2019 and the 2020 MLK Rodeo. The Showdown in Las Vegas was significant because it was the first time an African American Rodeo was performed in the MGM Grand Arena. Our Cowboys and Cowgirls were showcased in Las Vegas in a way they had never been before. The rodeo was also televised nationally by CBS, another first in history, on Juneteenth. This was significant because it was also the same year the President made Juneteenth a national holiday. As you can see, 2021 was a year of so many firsts for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. After the Showdown in Las Vegas, we started preparing for our 2022 Rodeo tour comeback and ways to bring it to audiences in a new way. We introduced our Dual Path Tour with the Texas Connection Series and Legacy Series. I am elated that our fans have welcomed us back with open arms. It has been so exciting to see and hear you, and to entertain and educate you again about Black Cowboys and Cowgirls.
I would be remised if I did not share about the Toyota BPIR Traveling Museum that was unveiled in May of this year. The museum is a celebration of 38 years of BPIR history that captures: ◆ Chronological “walk through time” highlights of the 38 years of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. ◆ BPIR memorabilia including original items from its founder, cowboys, and cowgirls including championship saddles and buckles, rings, watches, jackets, and promotional items (BPIR tickets, programs, instamatic camera, hot sauce, popcorn, ale, t-shirts, and many other items) ◆ Historical information and video features on Bill Pickett, along with other Black Pioneers in the West (e.g., Nat Love, Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves). ◆ The many faces of BPIR over the years including Black Cowboys/Cowgirls, entertainers, staff, clowns, and celebrities. We’ve missed you and wanted to come back with a bang to try to make up for the almost two lost years of rodeoing with you. You have continued to encourage and support us through it all. I want to thank you for your undying commitment to us. I want to thank the PBR organization for seeing the purpose of our organization and partnering with us on a new beginning. I also want to thank our National Sponsors (Toyota, Ariat, and Yeti) who have continued to support us because I know we could not have done it without them. They have supported us, so I ask you to also support them. Despite many challenges and setbacks, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo exists today because of the support and commitment that I receive from my incredible partner, Margo Wade LaDrew, and my staff. They are phenomenal and always strive to bring you the best rodeo possible. When you see them, please thank them because the collective effort helps us keep our operation running smoothly. I am always reminded of Martin Luther King, Jr., quote that says:
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
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As we continue the 38th Anniversary journey, it is important that we never stop praying and believing in God. He has us on this journey for a reason. We may not know why but we know that He knows. Please continue to pray for me and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo organization. I love each of you and thank you from the bottom of my heart for continuing to believe in us and providing your support. God bless you!
Valeria Howard-Cunningham Owner and President of BPIR
This is test as a test of body type
Hello Everyone! We thank the Lord we’ve been able to kick 2022 off doing what we love (rodeo) and with whom we love… BPIR! Denver MLK was a great start for 2022 to knock the rust off after being on pause for 2 years because of Covid. It felt great getting back with friends and our BPIR family. As the General Manager of the BPIR, I could not be more excited about all the new opportunities being created for the Black Cowboys and Cowgirls. There are so many people to thank for the opportunities. First and foremost, I want to thank Ms. Valeria and Mr. Ronnie for having the confidence in me to lead the rodeo operations. I also thank the PBR for our partnership, sharing in our growth and allowing the televised opportunities for the BPIR to exhibit the talent within our organization to the world. Though there were a few bumps with our first Ft. Worth Texas Connection Series Rodeo in February, I definitely want to commend every one of our contestants, staff, etc. for being open to change, in and outside the arena to better the rodeo. When we returned to Ft. Worth in May there was no doubt the entire rodeo family rose to the occasion and delivered a great performance. I would be remised if I didn’t recognize the great audiences we have had as we bring the rodeo to the various communities. History and education is what we are all about and it is especially important for us to create a
culture to teach and help our youth understand the rodeo life and be part of it. As I continue to reflect on the excitement of our 2022 season, I’m pleased to welcome back numerous previous members as well as multiple new members. This season we added Ladies breakaway and I have to say, I’m proud of the participation and the excitement of the event. I think this is just a beginning and believe in the next 2 – 3 years, we will see Ladies of Color in the NFR breakaway! I’m definitely cheering for these ladies and excited about the improvements we’ve seen in a short period of time. As we move into the second half of the rodeo season, with all the unfortunate things we’ve been faced with in our nation, like gun violence and fuel increases, there is no better time to LOVE one another, team up, share transportation and do all we can to continue living the dream. I am truly grateful for my Rodeo Family and appreciate the opportunity to represent BPIR as General Manager. As we prepare for this season’s remaining rodeos, in honor of our BPIR founder, Lu Vason and those that have continued what he started, let’s keep pulling together to grow, educate and entertain the world about the African American Cowboy and Cowgirl! Wefus Tyus
BPIR TRAVELING MUSEUM “Greatest Show on Dirt” Celebrate Black Cowboys & Cowgirls from the Iconic Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Coming to a City Near You In May 2022, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) and Toyota announced the Toyota BPIR “Greatest Show on Dirt” Traveling Museum, which is touring the country telling the stories of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls who have traveled the U.S. with the world’s leading All Black Touring Rodeo. The museum is touring the country alongside the BPIR for their 2022 Texas Connection and Legacy Tours, with stops including Atlanta, Ga. (August 6-7); Los Angeles, Calif. (July 6-7); Oakland, Calif. (July 9- 10); and the Washington, DC/Upper Marlboro area (September 24) for the 2022 Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Finals. The Museum is housed within a 48-foot trailer wrapped with a striking landscape of Black rodeo cowboys and cowgirls features including: ◆ ChronologicaChronological “walk through time” highlights of the 38 years of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. ◆ BPIR memorabilia including original items from its founder, cowboys, and cowgirls including championship saddles and buckles, rings, watches, jackets, and promotional items (BPIR tickets, programs, instamatic camera, hot sauce, popcorn, ale, T Shirts and many other items) ◆ Lu Vason’s vision, Why a Black Rodeo, New Leadership, Historical information, retro photos, and video features. Along with the many faces of BPIR over the years including Black cowboys/cowgirls, entertainers, staff, clowns, and celebrities. Please visit the museum to see if your face is there.
“Almost totally missing from the traditional history of the American West is the role of the Black cowboy as well as other Black pioneers who traveled through and settled during the nineteenth century in the vast territory west of the Mississippi,” writes William (Will, Bill) Pickett, who was a legendary cowboy from Taylor, Texas of black and Indian descent. He was born December 5, 1870, at the Jenks-Branch community on the Travis County line. Bill Pickett was the second of thirteen children born to Thomas Jefferson and Mary Virginia Elizabeth (Gilbert) Pickett, both of whom were former slaves. The family’s ancestry was African-American and Cherokee. He began his career as a cowboy after completing the fifth grade. Bill soon began giving exhibitions of his roping, riding and bulldogging skills, passing a hat for donations. By 1888, the family had moved to Taylor, Texas and Bill performed in the town’s first fair that year. Pickett soon became known for his tricks and stunts at local country fairs. With his four brothers, he established The Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Association. The name Bill Pickett soon became synonymous with successful rodeos. He did his bulldogging act, traveling about in Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, and Oklahom. Bill was also a member of the national guard and a deacon of the Baptist church. In 1890, Pickett married Maggie Turner, a former slave and daughter of a white southern plantation owner. The couple had nine children. Bill Pickett came to be known by the nicknames of “The Dusky Demon” and “The Bull-Dogger,” Pickett gave exhibitions in Texas and throughout the West. His performance in 1904 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days (America’s best-known rodeo) was considered extraordinary and spectacular. He signed on with the 101 Ranch show in 1905and became a fulltime ranch employee in 1907. The next year, he moved his wife and children to Oklahoma. From 1905 to 1931, the Miller brothers’ 101 Ranch Wild West Show was one of the great shows in the tradition begun by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody in 1883. The 101 Ranch Show introduced bulldogging (steer wrestling), an exciting rodeo event invented by Bill Pickett, one of the show’s stars. Riding his horse, Spradley, Pickett came alongside a Longhorn steer, dropped to the steer’s head, twisted its head toward the sky, and bit its upper lip to get full control. Cowdogs of the Bulldog breed were known to bite the lips of cattle to subdue them. That’s how Pickett’s technique got the name “bulldogging.
He later performed in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and England, and became the first black cowboy movie star. Had he not been banned from competing with white rodeo contestants, Pickett might have become one of the greatest record-setters in his sport. He was often identified as an Indian, or some other ethnic background other than black, to be allowed to compete. Pickett died in 1932 near Ponca City, Oklahoma as a result of injuries received from a working horses kicking him in the head at the 101 Ranch. His grave is on what is left of the 101 Ranch property near Ponca City. Since his death, Pickett was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1972 for his contribution to the sport. In 1984, Rodeo Producer Lu Vason, created and named the only traveling African American Rodeo after Bill Pickett to give him the recognition that he deserved and expose the community to his rodeo contributions, such as inventing the rodeo event Bull Dogging. In 1989, years after being honored by the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, Pickett was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. The United States Postal Service chose to include Bill Pickett in the Legends of the West commemorative sheet unveiled in December 1993. One month later, the Pickett family informed the Postal Service that the likeness was incorrect. Its source material was a misidentified photograph of Bill Pickett’s brother and fellow cowboy star, Ben Pickett. In October 1994, the USPS released corrected stamps based on the poster for The Bull-Dogger Bill Pickett was also honored by the Texas Trail of Fame and in 2003 was inducted into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame. The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, formerly the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame, is a museum and hall of fame in Fort Worth, Texas. Today, Bill Pickett continues to live through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the only African American traveling rodeo in the world.
AVERAGE: Usually used to describe the aggre-gate score for a contestant who competed in more than one round, e.g., “He had times of 9.3 and 9.8 seconds in the two rounds and placed third in the average with 19.1 seconds on two head”
FLANK STRAP: A soft sheepskin- or Neoprene-lined strap placed in the area where a human’s belt would go, it encourages the animal to kick out behind itself rather than rear up, which provides a safer, showier ride.
BULLFIGHTER: An athlete who protects the bull rider after he dismounts or is bucked off by distracting the bull and directing its attention to the exit gate, sometimes stepping between the bull and the bull rider
FLAGS: Because rodeo’s timed events are measured in tenths of seconds, judges in the arena drop flags to signal the timers to stop the clocks.
BOX: In a timed event, the area a horse and rider back into before they make a roping or steer wrestling run Breaking the barrier: in the timed events, if the rider leaves the box too soon – failing to give the animal enough of a head start – he is assessed a 10-second penalty.
MARK OUT: In the bareback and saddle bronc riding, a cowboy’s feet must be above the point of the horse’s shoulders when the horse’s front feet hit the ground – if so, he “marked the horse out,” but if not, he “missed him out” and the ride is disqualified.
CHUTE: A pen that holds an animal safely in position Covering: in the roughstock events, staying on for at least the minimum time, eight seconds: “He covered all three broncs he rode last weekend.”
FLANKMAN: A cowboy or cowgirl who works in the bucking chutes, adjusting the flank strap around the animal before the ride; the best flankmen and women are familiar with each individual animal and know exactly how much flank to give each animal to encourage optimal bucking.
BARRELMAN: An entertainer who uses a barrel to distract a bull after a ride, and sometimes to protect the cowboy.
TRY: A noun used for both cowboys and livestock, denoting grit, determination, fitness, stamina and resilience: “Give that cowboy a hand – he had a lot of try”.
BARRIER: In timed events, a line at the front of the box that the contestant and his horse cannot cross until the steer or calf has a head start, usually marked with a rope and a flag so the timers can see it drop and start the clock HOOEY: The knot that a cowboy uses to finish tying the calf’s legs together in tie-down roping.
SPURS: The spurs used in rodeos have dulled rowels that do not penetrate the animals’ skin, which is several times thicker than human skin; see the PRCA and Livestock Welfare chapter for more information.
We are living through unprecedented times, but it’s been a remarkable year for the Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund (BPMSF)! 2019 was a banner year for the fund, while 2020 brought severe economic hardships not only for us but for everyone. Despite those hardships, the philanthropic spirit of our corporate sponsors and individual donors provided the needed funding to help us keep our programs going. Our charitable function continues to exceed expectations and allow us to execute on our strategic priorities. We’ve expanded our ability to provide more educational financial support for students pursuing further education and opportunities for youth and young adults to experience the Black Cowboy and Cowgirl through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR). Despite the pandemic, we feel that we stayed on target and accomplished our objectives. Since March 1987, the BPMSF has demonstrated an abiding commitment to education by providing an annual scholarship to a deserving student. Our team has implemented projects and initiatives that have fostered growth. Our recent focus has been on adapting the organization with new business and non-profit funding requirements. To that end, in April 2022 we expanded the scope, purpose, and the strategic direction of our charitable organization from the Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund to the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF). The foundation will reinvigorate our efforts as we: ◆ Continue to honor the legacy of our founder, Lu Vason and the Black Cowboy and Black Cowgirl. ◆ Support the community through grants and sponsorships. ◆ Provide more scholarships throughout the country. ◆ Continue to distribute under BPMSF division. ◆ Increasing the number of students experiencing the Rodeo and other educational/arts opportunities through our school-based programs. Our Board of Directors and advisors continue to work diligently expanding our reach. We are excited to partner with the Texas Connection Series by giving our first scholarship at their Juneteenth Celebration as we work to bring all of our initiatives and strategies to fruition. I look forward to moving ahead as the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF). I am extremely pleased with the support of our sponsors, partner, donors, volunteers, our talented cowboys and cowgirls, talented boards, and our amazing audience who come to enjoy four generations of the Black Cowboy and Black Cowgirl. A special thanks for the critical role you play in our success! Kenneth “Ken” Johnson Board Chair, Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation
GLYNN TURMAN Co-Grand Marshal for 36 Years
I grew up in a time when the hero was a cowboy. This prompted many of my white childhood friends to assure me that I could never be included because there were no Colored cowboys. Then entered the BILL PICKETT RODEO. Cowboys and cowgirls of color riding, roping and competing for grand prizes. Living proof, history has been distorted to destroy a young Black boys self worth. My hero’s have always been cowboys. Black Cowboys! JAMES PICKENS, JR. Deputy Grand Marshal
Most of all, it is the history because until they came on the scene it was just an idea of a Black cowboy and the perpetual images seen and taught about the West. For folks to find out how we were in the unfolding of the west and to be able to celebrate it, has been so wonderful. The idea of having a traveling rodeo that does it like the Bill Pickett, is one of a kind, just like the Harlem Globe Trotters. Bill Pickett Rodeo provides our people with an up close and personal experience to make sure this history is told and not forgotten. When the rodeo came to Los Angeles, they would always engage and embrace the entertainment community, which is how the rodeo made so many of them want to participate. I remember the first time I saw Glynn and Reggie come riding out and when they circled and tipped their hats, at that moment, I knew that I had to be a part of it. The fact that at the end of the day, this is a family event that people can come out and enjoy the day and have a party with purpose and learning about our western history.
REGINALD T. DORSEY
Co-Grand Marshal for 36 Years
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has given me the opportunity to Honor the Legacy of one of the greatest African American cowboys to ever live. African American cowboys have always been and will always be part of the tradition and folklore of the American West. Through the vision of Lu Vason, we continue to shape our own image, narrative and contributions to our audience. Long Live Black Cowboys And Cowgirls!
OBBA BABATUNEDE’
Deputy Grand Marshal
The BPIR is of great importance to me because of what it represents. The rich history of a people, family, culture, faith, strength, pride, and commitment! In a time when these values are being lost and society suggest that these values are not as important as being popular. It is of great necessity to be able to identify these values in real time exhibited by real people, so that the underserved can be reminded of the contributions of their people and help re-instill as well as remind them of the pedigree they come from. I am honored to be an ambassador for this great organization.
To the delight of thrilled audiences and rodeo fans from across the United States, each year on Martin Luther King JR’s birthday holiday, some of the nation’s most skilled and entertaining Black cowboys and cowgirls ride into Denver, Colorado for the MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO OF CHAMPIONS. The MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions occurs during the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). The NWSS is a premier national Stock Show that takes place during the month of January in Denver, CO for 16-days. The MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO OF CHAMPIONS is a creation of Lu Vason, creator and founder of The Bill Pickett Rodeo and was created as a way to give honor to Dr. King for his dreams, accomplishments and his significant work for racial and economic equality.
by Ronnie Cunningham The challenges and complexities of life today are greater than at any time in human history. The structural framework of families, communities, and our nation have deteriorated and must be rebuilt to ensure significant opportunities for our younger generations to succeed. We all need to take part in that rebuilding process! This is not a right we have; it is a responsibility. Rebuilding strong families, communities and our nation won’t be easy, but for most of us, life has never been easy. COVID-19 has knock us all out of our comfort zones. Other challenging factors we have been forced to endure include - racism, natural disasters, political divisiveness, mass killings, war, economic hardships and more. These challenges have a cumulative effect which has caused many to experience various levels of depression, emotional pain, distress, and very uncomfortable levels of fear and uncertainty. If these challenges have been tough for adults, imagine how these challenges affect young people and their emotional needs. An area, in which academia has not adequately prepared all generations, is emotional intelligence (EI) also known as social and emotional learning (SEL). We all have feelings and emotions, but few have had training in how to identity our feelings and emotions, articulate them, and manage them. Every day we see the tragic results of individuals who do not know how to manage their feelings and emotions. Emotions influence everything we think, say, and do. COVID has exposed many areas that have been neglected and need substantial reinforcement. The components of EI are Self-awareness (self-confidence, self-esteem) Selfmanagement (discipline, mental toughness, resiliency) Social Awareness (empathy, connection, listening, and communication), and Relationship management (developing relationships, leadership and influence, conflict management, teamwork, and collaboration) will be required for survival and success in the new world. Emotionally intelligent young people are generally happier, more productive, achieve better results academically, in their relationships and in life. EI facilitates whole person development, which is a balance everyone needs to have for not only surviving, but also thriving in the challenging world we live in. Everyone should learn about EI, so they use it to improve the quality of their lives and relationships and to be able to pass EI skills down to the younger generations. The benefits of EI could play essential roles in the rebuilding process ahead. For more information, please visit www.eiq2-eicenter.com for more information.
Archie Wyckoff Ari Taylor Art Stoner Bernice Champman Bob Pratt Calvin (Pop) Greeley, Jr. Cash Joubert Charles M. Berry, Sr. Chuck Lewis Denard West Dennis Barefield Donald Goodman Ed White Elton LaDay Sr. Ester Rolle Ethel Thompson FJ Jones Frank Phillips Herb Jeffries Howard Rollins Jae R. Mason Jermaine Bradley John Wilson Justin Richards Kelle Williams Heath Linda Motley-Lucente Lisa Lofthouse Lu Vason Mr. Maurice Queen aka The Pony Express Charles Parnell Ragel Dan Robert Dugas Rooster Wyatt Rose Logan Roy LeBlanc Rufus Green Rufus Haynes Sedgwick Haynes Steve Wycoff Thomas Hebert Verna Douche Will Dawson Woody Strode
Ronnies Ad
Margo Wade Ladrew Valeria Howard Cunningham National Development Producer & CEO
Wefus Tyus
Ken Johnson
Chairman, Bill Pickett & Marketing Director Los Angeles Coordinator Invitational Rodeo Foundation
Address: PO Box 39163, Denver, CO 80239
Acynthia Villery Social Media Director Co-Rodeo Announcer
Jody Gilbert
Art Director Rodeo Support
Carolyn Carter
Stephanie Haynes
Denise Tyus
Harrel Williams
Production & Media Director
General Manager
Danielle Clark Rodeo Secretary
Grand Entry Coordinator
Lead Secretary & Accounting Manager
Rodeo Judge
Mailing Address: 2617 Gray Mill Way, Loganville,GA 30052 Office Phone: 303.373.1246 Email: info@billpickettrodeo.com www.billpickettrodeo.com
Rodney Demery Rodeo Judge
EXECUTIVE OFFICE Valeria Howard-Cunningham Executive President & Producer
Danell Tipton Rodeo Judge
Dennis Johnson Corporate Secretary
Barbara,”Miss Kitty” Love Memphis, TN Coordinator
Ronnie Cunningham Atlanta, GA Coordinator
Sheri Vason
Jeff Douvel
Oakland, CA Coordinator
Oakland, CA Coordinator
Carol Thompson Comptroller
Kanesha Jackson Denesha Henderson RodeoTalk Host
RodeoTalk Host
Tiffany Guess Rodeo Commentary
Ed Miller BPIR Photographer
Mansfield Montague Virginia Coordinator
Darlene Green Ft. Worth TX Assistant Coordinator
Greg Freeman DC/ Maryland Area Coordinator
Official Photographers Dan Honored Haywood Galbreath Roy Dabney LaDorria Jones-Clark Ian Williams Paul Smith Kent D. Lyons Bernard Grant Forest McMullin Brandon Marshall Marvin Kelly Dr. Vern L. Howard Savion Baker Cyril Bailleul Bullstock Media
Ray Brown
Rodeo Assistance
Justin Dan
Rodeo Assistance
Johnny Ray Howard
Arnold Laskey
Ed Miller
Marcous Friday
Rodeo Assistance
Rodeo Staff
JR Tyus
Rodeo Assistance
Kristy D emery
Merchandise Manager
Custom Designs by CLP Screen Printing & Embroidery
Photograpy Director
Rodeo Announcer
Gus Trent
Guest Rodeo Announcer