Black Cowboys of Rodeo - by Keith Ryan Cartwright (Hardcover)

About the Book

Black Cowboys of Rodeo is a collection of one hundred years' worth of firsthand cowboy stories, set against the backdrop of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, segregation, the civil rights movement, and eventually the integration of a racially divided country.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the 2023 Best Book Award from American Book Fest

They ride horses, rope calves, buck broncos, ride and fight bulls, and even wrestle steers. They are Black cowboys, and the legacies of their pursuits intersect with those of America's struggle for racial equality, human rights, and social justice.
Keith Ryan Cartwright brings to life the stories of such pioneers as Cleo Hearn, the first Black cowboy to professionally rope in the Rodeo Cowboy Association; Myrtis Dightman, who became known as the Jackie Robinson of Rodeo after being the first Black cowboy to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo; and Tex Williams, the first Black cowboy to become a state high school rodeo champion in Texas.

Black Cowboys of Rodeo is a collection of one hundred years of stories, told by these revolutionary Black pioneers themselves and set against the backdrop of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, segregation, the civil rights movement, and eventually the integration of a racially divided country.

Review Quotes

"By including cowboys both in the arena and on the screen, Cartwright's stories introduce readers to Black cowboys who created the West and, in part, the development of the iconic cowboy."--Tracey Hanshew, Journal of Sport History

"Cartwright's writing is exceptional. The reader is treated to superb narrative storytelling that makes domestic scenes and road trips just as lively as the rodeos themselves. The author uses oral histories to communicate his subjects' thoughts and experiences in a way that renders complex issues approachable."--Meg Frisbee, South Dakota History

"Keith Ryan Cartwright's book is an essential corrective to the lily-white history of the cowboy and the American West that has been promoted by motion pictures and white supremacists for centuries. It works as both a sweeping look at the cowboy ethos and profiles of scores of those whose greatness made America."--Nelson George, author, filmmaker, music and culture critic

"An entertaining and informative addition to the genre."--Daily Kos-- (2/1/2022 12:00:00 AM)

"Can I get a yee-haw? Black Cowboys of Rodeo is a marvel of a book--built with muscular research and smooth writing, resurrecting larger-than-life characters who will amaze and inspire readers. Cowboys have long been symbols of American grit and self-reliance. Black cowboys are that and more. Thank goodness their stories are finally being told--and told so beautifully."--Jonathan Eig, best-selling author of Ali: A Life

"Hollywood has not always been on the right side of history when it comes to portraying Black cowboys, but a thoroughly researched book like Black Cowboys of Rodeo finally amends that narrative."--Blair Underwood, actor, producer, and director

"Keith Ryan Cartwright's masterful excavation of the contribution of Black cowboys to American history is both rich and timely. The engaging stories of the individuals in Black Cowboys of Rodeo chronicle the lives and struggles of men who were not only field hands and laborers but family men, businessmen, entertainers, and entrepreneurs. This book will be illuminating to many still unfamiliar with the important role they played in the taming and shaping of the American West."--Yohuru Williams, founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas

"This is a fantastic book and is a history book that hopefully never gets lost or forgotten. . . . This is a book that should be required reading in American History classes."--Tom Knuppel, KNUP Sports-- (11/11/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"The myths and legend of the American West meet the real-life struggles and triumphs of Black cowboys in this fascinating account from journalist Cartwright. . . . This stirring history will have readers rethinking the very definition of Americana."--Publishers Weekly, starred review-- (10/1/2021 12:00:00 AM)

"Keith Ryan Cartwright is a master storyteller, who has accomplished what could be considered his life's work in his first attempt. This is a very important book coming at an equally important time."--Ty Murray, nine-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association world champion

About the Author

Keith Ryan Cartwright is a communications specialist for the Rutherford County Board of Education in Tennessee, an adjunct professor at Middle Tennessee State University, and a journalist. He previously served as editorial director and senior writer for Professional Bull Riders Inc. and is the author of Professional Bull Riders: The Official Guide to the Toughest Sport on Earth. Danny L. Glover is an actor, producer, and humanitarian.