Celebrating Black Cowboy Culture: 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo in Portland

The second annual 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo, a celebration of Black cowboy and cowgirl culture, took place in Portland, Oregon. The event, organized by Portland-based photographer Ivan McClellan, aimed to shed light on a lesser-known aspect of American culture. Despite the bull riders' struggle to stay seated for the required 8 seconds, the event was deemed a success with a sold-out crowd and $60,000 in prize money. Marcus Frazier, a bareback rider from Portland, expressed his joy at seeing so many cowboys of color like himself at the rodeo, highlighting the importance of representation in the sport.

The Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland attracted over 7000 spectators, showcasing the talents of Black rodeo athletes from across the country. The event featured various competitions such as bull riding, barrel racing, bulldogging, bareback riding, and ladies steer undecorating, with $60,000 in prizes up for grabs. The history of Black cowboys dates back to the days of slavery, with historians estimating that 1-in-4 cowboys were Black. However, as rodeo's popularity grew in the late 19th century, Black cowboys were often excluded from participating in events.

Garfield Wilson III, a cowboy from Kansas, emphasized the importance of passing down the cowboy tradition to younger generations, noting the lack of representation for Black cowboys in the industry. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, cowboys like Malachi Anderson from Central Texas continue to persevere in the sport. Anderson highlighted the disparities in treatment and recognition faced by Black cowboys in comparison to their white counterparts.

The Eight Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo served as a platform to celebrate and honor the contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the rodeo community. With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the event brought together riders from diverse backgrounds to compete and showcase their skills. As the rodeo continues to grow in popularity, it serves as a reminder of the resilience and passion of Black rodeo athletes in overcoming obstacles and stereotypes within the industry.