Why the first US cowboys were black

Summary

The video highlights the rich, often overlooked history of Black cowboys in America, tracing their legacy from the days of slavery to the present. Brianna Noble, the first documented rider to join the Black Lives Matter protests on horseback, exemplifies the power and significance of Black equestrians today. The script also delves into historical figures such as Nat Love, Bill Pickett, and Bass Reeves, who helped shape the American cowboy tradition. It examines Hollywood's whitewashing of cowboy culture and explores the rise of Black rodeos and the efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the equestrian community.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brianna Noble was the first documented rider to join the Black Lives Matter protests, highlighting the presence of Black cowboys in modern activism.
• 😀 The term 'cowboy' was historically used to describe Black ranchers, while white riders were referred to as 'cowhands.'
• 😀 Over 30% of Texans were slaves by 1860, and many Black cowboys were vital to the development of cowboy culture, though often underrepresented in history.
• 😀 Estimates suggest that at least one in four cowboys were Black, but some believe the true number is even higher due to hidden census figures.
• 😀 Notable Black cowboys include Nat Love (Deadwood Dick), Bill Pickett (inventor of bulldogging), and Bass Reeves (the real Lone Ranger).
• 😀 Black cowgirls like Johanna July were also significant, with July gaining recognition for her ability to tame wild horses.
• 😀 Hollywood's portrayal of cowboys, like in John Wayne's films, has often excluded or whitewashed the contributions of Black cowboys.
• 😀 The myth of the white cowboy identity has been exported globally, influencing the perception of American culture around the world.
• 😀 Segregation laws prevented Black cowboys from competing in public rodeos until the 1970s, but there are now rodeos that celebrate their contributions, such as the Bill Pickett Rodeo.
• 😀 Modern Black cowboys and equestrian groups are working to increase diversity and inclusion in the industry, sharing their legacy and passion for riding.
• 😀 Events like the Bill Pickett Rodeo and groups like the Compton Cowboys are vital in maintaining and celebrating the cultural significance of Black cowboys in America.

Q & A

Who is Brianna Noble and what is her significance in the Black Lives Matter protests?

Brianna Noble is the first documented rider to join the Black Lives Matter protests in Oakland, California, in June. She became a significant figure because her presence on a horse during the protests challenged the typical image of protestors and highlighted the power and visibility of black riders.

How did mounted police typically use horses during protests, and how did this differ from Brianna Noble’s role?

Mounted police have historically used horses to control demonstrators, but Brianna Noble's role was different. She and other riders on horseback were on the protestors' side, showing that horses could be used as a tool for empowerment rather than oppression.

What is the historical significance of black cowboys in America?

Black cowboys were among the first cowboys in America, with many being enslaved people who worked as ranchers. By 1860, over 30% of Texans were slaves, and many historians estimate that one in four cowboys were black, although the exact number may be higher.

How were black ranchers referred to during the time of slavery?

Black ranchers, who were often enslaved individuals, were specifically referred to as 'cowboys' while white ranchers were called 'cowhands.' The term 'cowboy' was used as a form of racial distinction.

What role did black cowboys play after the abolition of slavery?

After slavery was abolished, white cattle farmers had to hire black cowboys due to their expertise in cattle ranching. Along with Mexican vaqueros, black cowboys were among the best cattle ranchers, and their skills helped shape the image of the Old West.

Who are some notable black cowboys mentioned in the script?

Some notable black cowboys include Nat Love, also known as Deadwood Dick, who was a skilled marksman; Bill Pickett, who invented bulldogging; Bose Ikard, who pioneered cattle drives on the Goodnight-Loving trail; and Bass Reeves, a legendary marshal who captured over 3,000 convicts.

How has Hollywood historically depicted the cowboy, and why is this problematic?

Hollywood has historically portrayed the cowboy as a white male figure, which misrepresents the true diversity of the cowboy tradition. Figures like the Lone Ranger were whitewashed to fit a narrative of whiteness, obscuring the contributions of black and indigenous cowboys.

What was the impact of segregation on black cowboys?

Up until the mid-1960s, segregation laws prevented many black cowboys from participating in public rodeos and competitions. It wasn't until the 1970s that more black cowboys were allowed to compete, and Larry Callies became one of the few black finalists in the Texas state high school rodeo finals.

What is the Bill Pickett Rodeo, and why is it important?

The Bill Pickett Rodeo is the only black invitational rodeo in America. It celebrates the black cowboys and cowgirls who continue to preserve the cowboy tradition, serving as an important platform for riders of color across the country.

How are black cowboys and riders today working to promote diversity and inclusion in the horse riding industry?

Black cowboys and riders, like Brianna Noble and the Compton Cowboys, are working to improve accessibility to horseback riding for black communities. They aim to promote inclusion, diversity, and educate others about the deep-rooted history of black cowboys and cowgirls.