Blacks on the Oklahoma Frontier

Lawmen, Outlaws, Cowboys, Cowgirls and Rodeo

In place of the Historic Oklahoma All-Black Town Tour, the African-American Resource Center presents an interview with Marcous Friday, professional rodeo announcer, and author Ryan Keith Cartwright.

In place of the Historic Oklahoma All-Black Town Tour, the African-American Resource Center presents an interview with Marcous Friday, African American professional rodeo announcer, and Ryan Keith Cartwright, author of "Black Cowboys of Rodeo." Learn about the history of Black cowboys, cowgirls and rodeo in the black towns of Oklahoma. Join the presentation here: www.youtube.com/tulsalibrary. 

Also, view the film "Blacks on the Oklahoma Frontier: Lawmen, Outlaws, Cowboys, Cowgirls and Rodeo," as a tribute to the rich heritage of blacks in Oklahoma. View the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p14jKH7N_64. The film features video footage of local rodeos and Round-Up Clubs, including the Boley Rough Riders, who were involved in Oklahoma’s oldest rodeo, which was established in the historically all-Black town of Boley; the Okmulgee Rodeo, which was established by Kenneth LeBlanc; and the Eastside Round-Up Club, which sponsored annual rodeos. The video also features footage of Black cowboys from Oklahoma who have won world championships in bareback riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and bull riding.

In addition, see the 1921 Race Massacre Centennial Exhibition on display through June 10 at Rudisill Regional Library. The exhibit is open during regular library hours.

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