I was first introduced to the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) rather early in my career even though I was 30 years late to the party. I knew very little about this brand of rodeo, Black cowboys, or who Bill Pickett was for that matter. I, like so many, had fallen victim to the misconceptions created by the lack of a Black presence in mainstream media. The concept of Black cowboys made sense and I’d heard stories, but outside of the rare encounter with a fellow person of color donning the iconic lid or when I passed a mirror myself, my experience with them was limited.

Then one day, I witnessed something truly special just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Or in the words of the legendary Margo Wade LaDrew, “Black culture at its best!” Although it was still early in my career, I had seen a lot, but I had never seen anything like this. It was a rodeo but everywhere I looked there were Black people. Black people saddling horses, throwing ropes, riding bulls, and wearing cowboy hats. I remember asking them where they were from because it had to be another country or planet. I had more questions than imaginable, but I knew at that moment it was time to learn their history. And ten years later, I consider it my history.

Now in its 40th year, Valeria Howard-Cunningham, CEO and producer of BPIR, proudly celebrates four decades of Black rodeo, culture, and legacy alongside contestants and staff. And while much has changed over the years for the tour dubbed “the greatest show on dirt,” the mission has always remained the same. In fact, the mission is expanding. “Our mission is to continue building and inspiring the next generation,” says Valeria, vowing to grow the vision of BPIR Founder Lu Vason.

It was Lu’s vision “to create a rodeo” after he attended the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo in 1977. He noticed the absence of Black cowboys during the event and began working to build awareness around Black cowboys and their integral contributions to the history of the United States. A few years later in 1984, Lu introduced his first all-Black rodeo in Denver, Colorado.

Lu chose to honor and name his rodeo after the legendary Black cowboy William “Bill” Pickett. Born in 1870 in Texas, Bill was a performer and movie star renowned for originating the “bulldogging” technique. To perform this technique, he leapt from his horse onto a steer's shoulders, ultimately bringing it down by anchoring his feet into the ground. This later evolved into the steer wrestling competitions we see today.

Celebrating 40 years in existence, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is the longest running all-Black rodeo tour. Producers hold educational tours before every event for local youth to meet contestants and learn the history of the rodeo. Over the years, the tour has crowned countless World Champions, captivating an audience spanning millions. The tour recently expanded their show series and hold several shows annually at the famous Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas. For the first time, this year’s tour finals will have $100,000 added money for contestants.

The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo hasn’t just survived these last 40 years but thrived. Valeria ensures that Lu’s mission and vision is alive and well, and hints that there is far more on the horizon for the greatest show on dirt.