By: Taylor Mayad
The 37th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo is set to bring the excitement, heritage, and traditions of Black cowboy culture back to Dallas on **Saturday, July 25, at 7 p.m.**, inviting families from across North Texas to celebrate a rich legacy that has helped shape the history of the American West. As one of the region’s most anticipated summer events, the rodeo combines fast-paced competition with cultural pride, offering an evening of thrilling entertainment while honoring the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
Hosted in Dallas, the annual event showcases talented riders competing in classic rodeo events including bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, and relay races. Spectators can also enjoy crowd favorites such as mutton bustin’, where young riders demonstrate their courage by holding on tight to running sheep. Throughout the evening, rodeo announcers and performers share stories that highlight the often-overlooked role African Americans played in settling the West, working cattle ranches, and building the ranching traditions that continue today.
Historians estimate that nearly one in four cowboys during the late 1800s were African American, yet their stories have frequently been left out of mainstream history books. The Texas Black Invitational Rodeo was established to help preserve and celebrate that heritage while inspiring new generations to learn about the pioneers who broke barriers on the frontier. Today, the event has grown into one of the nation’s premier celebrations of Black Western culture, attracting competitors and fans from across Texas and beyond.
Beyond the arena, visitors can experience a festive atmosphere featuring Western fashions, cowboy hats, polished boots, sparkling belt buckles, family-friendly activities, music, and vendors offering food, crafts, and unique merchandise. The event provides an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and experience the traditions, sportsmanship, and community spirit that have long been associated with rodeo culture.
Whether you’re a lifelong rodeo enthusiast or attending for the first time, the 37th Texas Black Invitational Rodeo promises an unforgettable evening filled with heart- pounding action, rich history, and Texas-sized hospitality. Organizers encourage fans to shine up their boots, grab their hats, and prepare for a night celebrating the enduring legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls whose contributions continue to leave a lasting mark on the Lone Star State and the American West.
This year’s event pays tribute to the late Western trailblazer Cleo Hearn. Known affectionately as “Mr. Black Rodeo,” the National Rodeo Hall of Famer spent more than 50 years breaking racial barriers and educating audiences on the diverse history of the American West. Today, his four sons carry his torch forward, partnering with the African American Museum to produce this beloved annual tradition that celebrates community, culture and cowboy excellence.
Sponsors of the Texas Black Invitational Rodeo are Oncor, Atmos Energy; State Fair of Texas; Dallas Mavericks; Boot Barn; Cavender’s; Attorney Cedric Johnson; Paramount/ Nickelodeon – PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie; Desiree Kelley, Kitchens and Kocktails; Andrew Henderson; Brenda Jackson; Chocolit Tye; Food Trap; City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture; City of Dallas Park & Recreation; and Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District. Season sponsors of the African American Museum are Visit Dallas and the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture. Media partners are NBC 5 and Telemundo 39.
With proceeds benefiting the African American Museum, tickets start at $28 (plus fees) with VIP box seats available for $55 (plus fees) at eventbrite.com. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the Grand Entry Parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the competition at 7 p.m. For more information, go to aamdallas.org. Follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates.
