HOME OF THE HOTTEST SHOWS ON DIRT!

Black Rodeo USA Debuts Oklahoma Invitational Black Rodeo In Tulsa

The Oklahoma Invitational Black Rodeo will be the opening event for Black Rodeo USA's 2025 season – themed "Celebrating Heritage, History & Hope" – when it heads to Tulsa for two Black History Month shows Saturday, February 8, at Ford Truck Arena - Tulsa Fairgrounds, 145 E. 21st Street. The events will be 1pm and 7pm.

"We are excited and honored to celebrate Black History Month in Tulsa with its storied history of resilience and rebirth," Black Rodeo USA President and CEO Lanette Campbell stated. "In addition to the entertainment – known as 'The Hottest Show On Dirt!' – it will be an opportunity to educate rodeo fans about a unique cultural heritage and the role African and Black Americans had in the West, as well as to inspire a young generation to develop a desire and appreciation for the sport."

February also marks National Black Rodeo Appreciation Month, founded by BRUSA in 2023. First-timer and long-standing fans and contestants experience a special gathering of community, camaraderie and possibilities at Black Rodeo USA events year-round. Having produced smaller events in the state during past years, Black Rodeo USA – in its fourth year of touring rodeos – debuts its largest event of action-packed competitions in Oklahoma for veteran and emerging Black cowboys and cowgirls who yearn for representation as they hone their skills and increase their passion for all things rodeo. 

"My vision and drive will be to add as much entertainment, excitement and thrills to what is already a great event, as well as informing and keeping the untold story of the history of the Black cowboy," said Jesse Guillory, the newly appointed general manager. "As I step in these new boots to fulfill this role, I see nothing but greatness for the organization, the cowboy and especially the fans."

The Tulsa shows will feature local and national African-American rodeo competitors vying for more than $11,000 in cash prizes, as they participate in: bull riding; tie down roping; steer wrestling; ranch bronc; ladies steer undecorating; ladies barrels; team roping; and pony express. Young competitors also will participate in junior barrels and mutton bustin'. 

Gates open at 11:30am and 5:30pm, respectively. Tickets are $25. Visit BlackRodeoUSA.com to purchase tickets and for more information. Sponsorship opportunities and limited spaces for vendors also are available; please email info@ blackrodeousa.com or call 602-688-9906. 

Entries for contestants will open 10am Monday, Jan. 27, and close 10pm Sunday, Feb. 2. During that time, interested competitors can call 405-367-6057 and 405-342-0612. For up-to-date contestant information, visit https://flowpage.com/brusacontestant.

About Black Rodeo USA

The Black Rodeo USA story started in 2008, when Lanette Campbell joined the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Association as the Arizona coordinator. By 2011, she founded the Arizona Black Rodeo Association and was able to host a Black rodeo as an official event of the Arizona Centennial Legacy Project in 2012. As the flagship rodeo, Arizona Black Rodeo is approaching its 14th year and was named Best Rodeo by Top10 USA Today in 2024. The mission of Black Rodeo USA, which embarked on touring in 2020, focuses on six key core values: Youth, Community, Agriculture, Education, Health and Entertainment. Its rodeo events are gathering places where family values and Western heritage are honored, and individuals of all ages are entertained, educated and enriched.

About National Black Rodeo Appreciation Month

Historians estimate one in four cowboys was Black. Yet, African-American cowboys didn't play a part in the popular narrative and many times continue to be left out of the conversation. Founded by Black Rodeo USA in 2023, National Black Rodeo Appreciation Month coincides with Black History Month to give Black rodeo fans and all rodeo fans an opportunity to celebrate and to honor the history of Black cowboys and cowgirls, to show their love for the sport and its participants and to gain a deeper appreciation of the role Black cowboys had in shaping the West.

About Jesse Guillory

Jesse Guillory, of Texas, has always loved the western way of life and longed to be a cowboy. His journey as a cowboy includes competing in rodeo events, being a horse trainer, working in rodeo management, and chief field representative for International Pro Rodeo.