Black Cowboys and the Forgotten Frontier: Reclaiming the History Hollywood Tried to Erase

At Oakland’s 50th Annual Black Cowboy Parade & Heritage Festival, history came alive to honor the real cowboys of the American West—many of whom were Black. Historians estimate that one in four cowboys in the 19th century were Black, yet Hollywood’s version of the frontier erased them. The festival featured riders, historians, and groups like the Compton Cowboys and Black Rodeo USA, showcasing how the West was shaped by Black ranchers and horsemen. Beyond celebration, the event served as an act of cultural reclamation, redefining what it means to be American. Through music, fashion, and community storytelling, the festival asserted that Black people have always belonged everywhere—especially on horseback.

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Source: BET