Celebrating 40 years of Black cowboy culture at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
Traveling rodeo celebrates the unsung Black history of the American West
Photo essay by Julien James
Riders spread out in the warm-up arena before the start of the events July 21 while fans and attendees enter the main arena at the Industry Hills Expo Center in the City of Industry, California. Julien James for Andscape
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is a unique mix of calm and vibrant energy, creating a deeply resonant experience. Founded in 1984 by Lu Vason and named in honor of legendary Black cowboy and performer Bill Pickett, the rodeo series stands as a tribute to the history of Black cowboy and cowgirl culture of the American West. The highly anticipated event is a testament to the enduring power of community, where each participant plays a role in a shared story of pride and legacy.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the traveling event, nicknamed “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” which takes the Black rodeo from coast to coast. The value of the rodeo lies not just in the thrilling moments but also in the connections formed. It’s a celebration that goes beyond entertainment and is deeply rooted in history.
The tour’s most recent stop from July 20-21 at the Industry Hills Expo Center, just east of Los Angeles, evoked the warmth of a Sunday afternoon reunion, rich with the spirit of the South. The rodeo’s infectious energy and heartfelt connections transformed it into a meaningful celebration, honoring the past while embracing the present.
The rodeo is an individual and collective expression. The arena is not just a space for competition but a reflection of a larger narrative — a place where each event, each cheer, and each connection pays homage to a tradition that binds generations, honoring the collective journey of the rodeo cowboy. Andscape was on hand to capture it all.
Harold Williams, 12, waits for the events to start. Harold participated in breakaway roping.
Julien James for Andscape
Kortnee Solomon rides under the arena spotlights, carrying the American flag during the grand entry, which includes the national anthem and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Julien James for Andscape
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is a traveling rodeo series that highlights the stories of Black cowboys and cowgirls. This year’s tour will travel from coast to coast, with rodeos from Los Angeles to Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington.
Julien James for Andscape
Before the rodeo kicks off, riders warm up their horses and get ready for their turn in the arena while attendees settle into the bleachers. Attendees include new and veteran rodeogoers.
Julien James for Andscape
Dressed in traditional rodeo gear and city styles, the crowd floods the bleachers for the “Greatest Show on Dirt.”
Julien James for Andscape
The rodeo allows attendees to interact with the riders and animals outside of the arena.
Julien James for Andscape
After the end of each rodeo, fans and attendees meet and sit on the competitors’ horses, like this fan who loves horses and joked with her parents about wanting one herself.
Julien James for Andscape
Rodeogoers pull up in style for the two-day event wearing Nipsey Hussle hoodies, brightly colored cowboy hats, and boots.
Julien James for Andscape
A young cowboy finds a moment to eat dinner amid the afternoon hustle.
Julien James for Andscape
A breakaway roper waits for her turn in the arena. Breakaway roping is one of the main events that women participate in during the rodeo. It features a sprint to rope a calf, stop and let it go. The best ropers complete the whole process in a matter of seconds.
Julien James for Andscape
The wardrobe of Bill Pickett Rodeo competitors adds some sparkle to the grime of the sport. Competitors don shirts and pants of every color, work and show boots, bright nails, jewels, as they enter the arena for their weekend in Los Angeles.
Julien James for Andscape
Music during the rodeo includes genres from gospel and R&B to hip-hop. Rapper Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” kept the crowd energetic and focused on the arena.
Julien James for Andscape
Attendees capture photos and videos of event competitors making a lap around the arena before the start of the event. Each day, the competitors were brought into the arena and introduced to hype up the crowd before the start of the show.
Julien James for Andscape
The final moments before the gate swings open. Behind the chutes, every cowboy and rodeo staff member is in action, ensuring everything is ready before a bull and a rider quickly enter the arena. Riders stay close to the chutes even when it isn’t their turn, helping others prepare for a chance at a full 8-second ride to qualify for a score.
Julien James for Andscape
In a sport so closely tied to tradition, the rodeo arena provides a place for multiple generations to participate together, raising young cowboys and cowgirls to take over the rodeo.
Julien James for Andscape
A cowboy walks across the pit and away from the chutes between events. Events are rotated between sections of the arena, keeping competitors and staff in constant motion.
Julien James for Andscape
After the crowd thins out and the dust settles, riders return to the daily grind of the rodeo, caring for their horses with feed and baths.
Julien James for Andscape
A cowboy takes a moment alone with his horse, pausing to look at the Southern California horizon. After the end of the weekend’s events, the rodeo and many of its competitors continue to the next stop in Atlanta.
