IN MEMORY

Jul 8 1953 - Jan 19 2026

A quiet but formidable civic force in Denver, Colorado, her decades of behind-the-scenes leadership shaped city politics, cultural preservation, and community advocacy. She died unexpectedly while attending the MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo, leaving a legacy of dignity, resilience and service.

May 3 1939 - Nov 9 2025

A pioneering African-American rodeo cowboy and legendary figure in Western heritage who spent more than five decades breaking racial barriers in professional rodeo and mentoring generations of diverse riders. The National Rodeo Hall of Famer (2022) produced the first Black rodeo in Harlem (1971), and established Texas Black Rodeo, renamed Cowboys of Color Rodeo in 1995.

1995 - Sep 12 2022

A member of PBR since 2015, the 27-year-old was listed as 157th in the world in Professional Bull Rider rankings and ranked 24th with Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (8th in Texas Circuit). Of Fresno, Texas, he is son of professional bullfigher Demetrius "Teaspoon" Mitchell and cousin of PBR Ezekiel Mitchell.

Dec 3 1931 - Dec 25 2018

A trailblazing Black cattle rancher and Vietnam/Korean War veteran in Arizona, who – after facing racial discrimination in the 1970s – built Cowtown Keeylocko, an 80-acre Western town southwest of Tucson, which served as a unique, welcoming venue for community events.

Apr 6 1939 - May 17 2015

Founder of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo as the the first and only touring all-Black rodeo in the United States in 1984 to highlight the historical contributions of Black cowboys. Before his work in rodeo, he was a successful music promoter and producer and moved from Berkeley, California, to Denver, Colorado in 1977.

Jan 20 1940 - Nov 6 2014

A legendary cattleman, rancher and educator from Yuma, Arizona. The renowned breeder of Brangus cattle was one of only two people to receive the Pioneer Award from the International Brangus Breeders Association. He became the first Black grand marshal of Silver Spur Rodeo.