Black Cowboys vs Hollywood: Cowboy Histort
Funny how fictional content can make a lasting impression on real life perceptions. [Hosted] #VisitSanAntonioPartner
During the Cattle Drive era (late 19th century), 1/4 of all cowboys were Black and according to @txst professor and historian Dr. Ronald Davis II, PhD, 1/3 were people of color in general. But early Hollywood painted a very different picture. In reality, the character depictions in newer movies like “The Harder They Fall” and “Outlaw Johnny Black,” aren’t a-historical imaginings, but revisionist showcases of the actual facts of cowboy legacy.
And the American cowboy as we know it is actually the result of a mix of ranching traditions from Mexico, to Spain, and West Africa. Cowboy culture has always been multicultural and multiracial, a cultural melting pot you can see at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 🐂
One thing I heard often was that western culture transcends race and that much was clear as I spoke to people in and around the rodeo and got down and dirty and with the ranching culture for myself. Thank you Ranch Cortez in Bandera, TX (the Cowboy Capital of the World) for a great intro to my cowgirl era! It was a ton of fun hanging out on the ranch. I have to come back to stargaze and sit around a good ol’ Texas campfire 🔥
By the way, San Antonio is also home to many smaller Black rodeos too. Will I see you at the a rodeo soon?
One correction to the historian’s name. It should read: Ronald W. Davis II, PhD.
#texas #rodeo #cowboys #blackhistory
