Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo 32nd Anniversary Program

Last year this time, I was writing to each of you with a very heavy heart because my husband, the founder and creator of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) has recently passed. My world had suddenly become very lonely and scary. Despite the world of fear surrounding me, I made a commitment that I would do everything in my power to keep Lu Vason’s legacy alive.

From my personal experience, I can tell you that the journey has not been easy. However, I can say that with each day, the fear lessens and my will and determination gets stronger. I am stronger! Partly because of the incredible encouragement, personal notes and phone calls from the many fans across the United States sharing with me how much BPIR means to them and their family.

I heard from many fans, whom had been attending the rodeo for over 20 years, expressing concerns about what they would do if they did not have the rodeo each year. My heart was touched. All of a sudden, forging ahead became more meaningful. Seeing devoted rodeo fans; walking with a cane, in a wheel chair or just slowly taking their time with deliberate steps and not letting any of these challenges keep them from coming to the rodeo, makes it even clearer the impact BPIR has had on our rodeo fans.

Many of our fans found me last years to share that it was their first or second year, but they so enjoyed the rodeo that next year they intend to bring their friend and whole family. While all the comments and many hugs warmed my heart, it truly made me appreciate in a more powerful way the impact my husband’s creation has had on society. I was especially touched by one young man who came up to me say ‘Thank you’! He share the fact that he never knew there were Black Cowboys or Cowgirls until his parents brought him to a BPIR rodeo years ago and that he is hoping that one day he will have an opportunity to bring his kids.

In additional to the incredible fans and supporters of the BPIR, I must also recognize my family, friends, staff and especially my rodeo family. Collectively, they have all stood by my side in the last year on this journey providing all the love and support that anyone could ask for. I would be remised if I did not recognize the many sponsors who have stood by us and continue to provide the financial support that allows us to bring the Bill Pickett Invitation Rodeo to your city. As they say ‘it takes a village’. I personally thank God for each of you and for his continued protection and love.

On behalf of myself and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo staff, we say ‘thank you’! Our fans give us the strength, courage and drive to continue Lu’s legacy as we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Remember “Life doesn’t get any easier, you just get stronger’!

Let’s Rodeo!

Valeria Howard-Vason President Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

achievements, was one of the most successful and highly respected entertainment promoters in the black music industry. He had the unique ability at developing close relationships with every conceivable famous rhythm and blues and jazz act that existed during his era. This Ain’t My First Rodeo: The Life, Times and Legacy of an Entertainment Promoter and Presenter takes the reader on a journey disclosing how Lu helped formed and managed the Pointer Sisters, along with managing artists like the Whispers, Oscar Brown, Jr. and Rose Royce. Equally important, Lu promoted other artists:

An autobiography highlighting the life and times of our founder…Lu Vason!

Not all of the heroes from America’s “Wild, Wild West” are set in Post-Civil War 19th Century America, or the late 1800s and early 1900s. There is one story of a “Black Cowboy” that roamed this country presenting the ‘greatest show on dirt’ and his is a story you want to here.

His name is Lu Vason, the creator of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR), the only “coast-to-coast” national touring black rodeo in the world. Lu’s tale is told in his book, This Ain’t My First Rodeo: The Life, Times and Legacy of an Entertainment Promoter and Presenter. The autobiography goes depths further than just Lu’s invaluable contributions to the legacy of the American West. It explores many other dimensions of Lu’s life and impact as well.

Each dimension discussed in the book takes the reader back into other windows of American history and the incredible historical developments in which Lu was surrounded.

This Ain’t My First Rodeo: The Life, Times and Legacy of an Entertainment Promoter and Presenter tells how Lu, among many other

Nina Simone – of whom he brought back for her first United States performance in several years after leaving this country.

Earth, Wind and Fire.

Gladys Knight & Nancy Wilson.

The Isley Brothers & The O’Jays.

Esther Phillips, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes.

And many more…

You name the artist, Lu could access and booked them.

For the readers who knew Lu, This Ain’t My First Rodeo: The Life, Times and Legacy of an Entertainment Promoter and Presenter affirms the greatness within him many people are familiar with, along with never-been-told before and eyeopening stories. Lu’s book helps you get to know and appreciate him deeper. If you were never acquainted or heard of Lu Vason, the book will make you glad you’re being introduced to him now.

The book covers the four phases of Lu Vason’s incredible life in his own words. Lu started the book in 2014 and completed it right before his death in 2015.

Stay tuned.

Book will be released in early 2017.

EVEN THE RODEO IS BARTABLE

BART is proud to be a sponsor of the 31st Annual Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

BART is proud to support the 32nd Annual Bill Pickett Rodeo. Find deals, events and fun (like this great event) at bart.gov/bartable.

The Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund (“BPMSF”) provides cultural arts exposure within local neighborhoods that support multi-cutural emerging communities.

Black cowboys have always been an integral part of the history of the American West from the earliest rodeos to the present. The BPMSF supports its cowboys in showcasing their talent while performing and competing.

The BPMSF has sanctions several riding academy’s that provide basic and professional riding classes and training for youth. We also provide grants to summer camps that promote physical fitness activities, education and fun environment for kids.

The Fund endeavors to strengthen, promote and we provide financial support to community, civic, cultural and educational events within local communities through our arts for kidz sake, rodeo for kidz sake programs, education scholarships and sponsorship grants.

To this end, we build on the legacy and heritage of great people, we honor the rich culture and contributions that African American has made to the American West and tell the story of African Americans in the west; the importance of the Black Cowboys/Cowgirls and their place in history.

The Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund (BPMSF) is committed to enriching and enhancing the lives of African Americans and the heritage that African Americans contributed to the west and arts. We will fulfill our mission by: u Preserving the heritage and contributions of African Americans in the west. u Honoring the role of the Black Cowboy and Cowgirl by showcasing their talent at the Bill Pickett and MLK Rodeos. u Promoting Black Cowboys and Cowgirls throughout this country. u Inspire current and future generations by promoting positive images of African Americans globally. u Providing scholarships to deserving students.

Maintaining our status by preserving the legacy of our founder, Lu Vason, and his vision for the supporting our youth through scholarships and presenting the Bill Pickett Heritage Rodeo across the country.

The Fund has established four overarching goals that will shape our program areas as well as our funding decisions, We will pursue: A bold and creative approach to providing educational and cultural enrichment experiences.

Deep and broad understanding for the black cowboy and cowgirl locally and nationally.

Wide participation of underrepresented communities in education and the arts.

Strong collaboration in the philanthropic sector in support of the rodeo and the arts among organizations supported by the Fund.

The grave is marked with a sandstone tombstone that reads: “Bill Pickett-C.S.C.P.A.” The letters stand for Cherokee Strip Cow Punchers Association. Pickett, a black man who has been given credit for “inventing”bull dogging, died in the spring of 1932 after an altercation with a bronc in a 101 Ranch corral. He was 62.

Pickett worked for the Millers for most of his adult life. But his remarkable story begins not in Oklahoma but in south central Texas near Taylor, Williamson County.

His ancestors were of mixed “Negro, Caucasian and Cherokee Indian blood,” according to Colonel Bailey C. Hanes, “a not uncommon blend [in the 1800’s] in the upper south.” In his book, Bill Pickett, Bulldogger (University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 1977), Hanes concludes that in 1880 “Thomas Jefferson Pickett was born in Louisiana and was 26 years old.

Thomas Jefferson Pickett was Bill Pickett’s father. He and Bill’s mother, Mary, produced thirteen children. Five of the boys, including Bill, may have been the first black entrepreneurs in Taylor, where they operated a business called “Pickett Bros. Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Ass’n.” Thomas Jefferson Pickett was Bill Pickett’s father. He and Bill’s mother, Mary,

produced thirteen children. Five of the boys, including Bill, may have been the first black entrepreneurs in Taylor, where they operated a business called “Pickett Bros. Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Ass’n.”

Bill was born in 1870, five years after the Civil War ended and the slaves of the Confederacy were emancipated. By the time he was 16, he was became interested in horses, cattle and dogs.

Not many writers emphasize the influence cattle dogs had on the young man, but, if it were not for these dogs, he might never have been the famous bite ‘em style bulldogger he was. There were “heel” dogs and “catch” dogs. The latter went to a critter’s head, while the former harassed the heels. Cowboys used these cattle dogs because it was next to impossible to swing ropes, or make cow catches in the thick tangles of brush that covered much of Williamson County.

Exactly where Bill Pickett first grabbed a steer’s lip with his teeth (like the dogs did it) is not known. You hear stories that he did it in the brush, on the range, in a holding pen. But wherever he did it, he was the first to do it and the first to be promoted in a specialty act.

In talking to old-timers, much of the fanciful element is reduced. They figure that Pickett went down the back of a cow brute, stopped it, then bit into the lip or nose and just fell away, dropping the steer by twisting its neck and assisted by the use of leverage.

But an “eyewitness account” in the Tulsa World, Oct. It, 1931, described his fear in “shows” (there were no rodeos in those days) like this: “The steer plunged into the arena ... Pickett’s horse plunged full speed after it, and he leaped from the saddle. He turned a complete somersault along the length of the steer’s back, flying out and down over the curved horns... to fasten his teeth in the side of the steer’s mouth.

With sheer strength he dragged the running behemoth’s head to the tan-bark, thrust its horn in the ground, and its forward momentum threw the steer hocks over horns in a somersault of its own.”

Mrs. William Paxton Irvine once confirmed that “Bill Pickett was riding with my father, Lee Moore, near Thoundale, Texas, in the late 1880’s, They were rounding up cattle and one steer was hard to turn. Bill took after the steer and bulldogged it.”

How he did this was not elaborated on, but he must have used the bite-’em style because Moore, who had a theatrical bent, booked Pickett in Texas and other states, describing him as a “bulldogger that did it with his teeth.”

His success and notoriety as the “only professional bulldogger in the world” caught the attention of the Miller Brothers whose 101 Ranch Wild West Show was fast becoming the best such entertainment in the country. In 1905, they hired Pickett and brought him and his entire family from Texas to Oklahoma, housing them at 101 Ranch headquarters at Bliss (now Marland).

Of course, Pickett was on the road a lot, billed as “The Dusky Demon” on show flyers. When not on the road he did all sorts of chores on the huge ranch. He picked cotton, maintained fences, built corrals, and broke and gentled horses. He was particularly good with horses, according to his great-great grandson Frank Phillips.

“My grandmother, Bessie Pickett Phillips,” said Phillips, “told me a lot about Bill ... how he pretended to be ‘the man of steel’ but how he was really hurting, in later years, following work each day.

“I think he was exploited in a way. He was black and yet he was unique in what he did. But then in those days, all black athletes were exploited in one way or another. . especially prize fighters.”

Certainly Bill Pickett is one of those colorful characters in the history of Wild West Shows and rodeos.

And, therefore, he was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City, in 1971 – the first black rodeo athlete to be so honored.

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As the current Co-General Manager and Grand Entry Coordinator for the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo and a Registered Nurse and Long Term Care Surveyor for the state of Oklahoma, Carolyn has been with the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo since its inception in Denver Colorado in 1984. She has traveled the United States from Coast to Coast and everywhere in-between, attending every Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo with the exception of one where one of her many duties includes the honor of presenting the American Flag.

Carolyn’s many accolades that she has received at the BPIR include: • 1985 Rookie of the Year • 1986 Ladies Steerundecorting champion • Numerous BPIRF All Around championships (at least 3) • Numerous BPIRF Steerundecoration average winners (at least 6) • MLK steerundecorting champion 2014 • Grand Entry Coordinator since the beginning.

• Co- General Manager 2013 to present.

To be such an integral part of the BPIR is the highlight of Carolyn’s life. She has raised two daughters and one granddaughter in the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Family and understands firsthand the importance of giving African American cowboys and cowgirls a place to compete. Her dedication is fueled by her commitment to advance founder, Lu Vason’s vision to show the world that there really are black cowboys and cowgirls! “If it wasn’t for Lu Vason and his darn dreams, there are many of us who would have never gotten to see places like Washington DC., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Oakland, Phoenix, Virginia Beach, Richmond Va., Boley, OK. and many, many others”.

When anyone ask Carolyn what BPIR means to her; she is very eager to answer. She wants everyone to know that being a part of the BPIR is one of the best things in her life. It has and is her desire to present the best show possible for the audience, because she knows how important this was to the rodeo founder. “Lu believed in his vision and dream whole heartedly and I am committed to do everything possible to ensure BPIR continues”.

Carolyn face and eyes lights up when she talks about BPIR. You can actually see her passion. Carolyn goes on to tell you that “Without the BPIR many African American cowboys and cowgirls would not have had a stage to compete on. BPIR was and still remains the launching pad for many professional black cowboys in the industry today”.

She reminds us that no one ever thought that there would be a second, third or fourth generation with the rodeo except for Lu. “He had his vision and use to tell me about it all the time. She remembers every year in January, she and Lu laughing about what the ‘nay-sayers continue to say, “They going under, it’s over.” ‘They won’t come to see your show’. ‘You won’t make it another year, yet, he never quit’. Carolyn is proud to say BPIR survived and is putting another year (anniversary) in the history books.

Carolyn feels that without the BPIR and Lu Vason in her world, her life would have certainly been different, but feels it definitely would not have been any more exciting.

She feels that she is a part of a great team, and shares how she literally jumped through rings of fire for this organization, call the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. She goes on to share that Lu Vason and Jesse Guillory made her think they were invincible, so she thought she was also.

She smiles and says, “when I Look back over the many miles I’ve traveled, all the tanks of diesel we used, all the trucks I’ve gone through, all the horses I’ve gone through, I can honestly say it was worth the trip’.

“I love and miss Lu Vason”

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Sedgwick Haynes was born in Houston, Texas on September 7, 1954 to Robert C. and Dorothy R. Haynes. During his senior year at Booker T. Washington High School he was offered a full golf scholarship and headed off to Texas Southern University in the fall, but it was soon thereafter that his story took a turn and he was faced with the decision to that would change his path.

Sedgwick’s family had no interest or understanding about rodeo, so it was his neighbor Mr. Alvin Penrice who was a calf roper who took him to his very first Rodeo.

When it was quickly discovered that another neighbor, Mr. Eugene Tucker had horses and would allow Sedgwick to ride, it was then that Sedgwick made the decision to trade in his golf clubs and balls for a rope and a pigging string. His rodeo journey had begun!

With no one in his family even interested in his horse dreams, Sedgwick was forced to lean on others for guidance, support and training in his new found passion. He was blessed to gain knowledge from a host of good people who loved the rodeo. Many, like Albert Barrelman, Rufus Green Sr., Walter and Bonnie Beaver, Calvin Greely, Jr., Nelson Jackson, Jim Richards, Sr., Caston Richard, Sr., Willie Roy Carr and a host of others even went on to become his mentors.

Within a short time, he was traveling to rodeos all over the United States competing in the Calf Roping and Steer Wrestling events.

This was no easy task being a single father of two boys that loved to eat and Sedgwick knows that without the help of so many that opened their doors to welcome his small family in for a meal, a shower, or a place to lay their heads they would not have survived.

One day along the way he entered a rodeo in Gary, Indiana promoted by Theryl Latting. It was there that Lu Vason walked up to Sedgwick, introduced himself, and shared his vision and desire to promote African American Rodeos in Denver, Houston, and a number of other cities. As Sedgwick laughed at Lu out loud, on the inside he was thinking, “How is this man with the pony tail and a wild red, white, and blue “get-up” going to take a rodeo all over the country?” It was not long after that Lu Vason managed to successfully promote the first black rodeo in Denver, CO in 1984.

Soon after the inaugural event in Denver, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo was at Bear Creek Park in Houston, and that is where Sedgwick’s journey with the BPIR began. To this day he is still chasing Lu’s vision to educate and promote African American rodeos and to give African American cowboys and cowgirls a place to perform.

His passion is Rodeo! He still eats, sleeps, and dreams rodeo and although after having been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer approximately 2.5 years ago and the death of his son approximately 2 years ago, he continues to do his best to teach his family and others who may come about the rodeo, the rodeo family, and the rodeo method that has made them so successful after all of these years. He finds great joy in sitting back and reminiscing about all of the people who have flowed through his BPIR life over the years. It is a joy and a pleasure to sit back and remember all the people I have helped over the years. He takes great pride in remembering the money, the saddles, the trailers, the buckles, the campers, the atv’s, the dinners and etc. that have been won under his knowledge and leadership.

Sedgwick attributes his great success to his great support team, which includes his wife Stephanie of 24 years , his children; Reuben Haynes, Jermaine Walker, Timothy Haynes and Kanesha Jackson as well as his loving grand kids.

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Our little Rodeo Princess, Kortnee Michelle Solomon is the 6 1/2 year old daughter of Kanesha Jackson and Cory Solomon. Kortnee has just graduated from Kindergarten and is on her way to the 1st grade. In her spare time she likes to read books, put puzzles together, play Uno with her mom, go swimming, ride horses and dance.

Kortnee takes ballet and tap classes, but her favorite activities are cheer leading and barrel racing. With two horses of her own, Baby Girl and Ray, this sweet little cowgirl has literally been running barrels since she was in her mommy’s tummy. Ray is 22 years old and Kortnee says that he takes really good care of her and she says that Ray goes so fast that when they compete in the barrels she always beats her Mommy and her Mimi’s times. Kortnee competes in numerous rodeo events including barrel racing, straights, poles, goat pulling, speed race, and figure eights, but her favorite event of them all is barrel racing.

Kortnee loves to travel and meet new friends at the rodeo. She believes that good sportsmanship is important and always tries to give every competitor an encouraging word. She knows that you can’t win them all so it is important to say kind words even when we make mistakes.

Growing up in the rodeo has been such a great experience for Kortnee.

When she grows up she wants to be a teacher because she loves to help others learn new things.

Ronald Jennings, III is a 5th generation rodeo man. His first rodeo was at the age of 6 months and just a year old Ronald already began inquiring about John Deere equipment. This young man early on would point out the difference in a stock trailer vs. slaughter trailer while driving down the highway.

At the age of 2, Ronald started riding sheep and calves, watching and learning herding, handling a rope and he even sat on his first bull.

At the age of 4 he was allowed to be behind the chutes and help herd the contractors stock and by the age of 5 or 6 Misner & Sons Rodeo Company realized that Ronald wasn’t going anywhere so they began to teach him more and more.

Ronald continually networks with contractors throughout the country and has even been going to other rodeos while working with the Bill Pickett invitational rodeo since the age of 6. Although he retired from calf roping at age 9, Ronald continues to rope, including performing at schools, rodeos, and other events. You will hardly ever find him without a rope in his hand.

In 2014 he founded RJ3 Rodeo Company and bucked his first calf at the 2015 LA Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. His dream is to have the greatest bucking bulls that he may even take one to the NFR. Dressing cowboy every day, Ronald attributes a great deal of his inspiration to Lu Vason, Founder/Producer of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo for giving him the opportunity to pursue his rodeo dreams and beyond. He is the epitome of a true cowboy.

Erica Adrienne Frank, daughter of Ronnette Davis- Frank and granddaughter of Adrienne Vance, Erica finished her junior year of High School with a 3.0 grade point average at Loganville Christian Academy. At the age of 16, she has been accepted into the State of Georgia College system for the Fall Semester of 2016 to begin her Dual Enrollment core classes for a Pre Law Declared Bachelors degree pathway.

Excelling in Rodeo and Basketball, Erica is an athlete to the core who loves celebrating African American history and culture with her BPIR family. She feels that she was born to represent the pride and sacrifices of her ancestors. “My life represents their history and freedoms we have been given because of their sacrifices,” says Erica.

Rodeo is a way of life for this third generation cowgirl that lives on a 25 acre farm outside of Atlanta, GA. This year she is excited to represent the new opportunities for women in 2016.

Erica continues to be inspired by Ms. Valeria Vason who is continuing the legacy of her husband and founder of the BPIR, Lu Vason. To that Erica says “Girls ROCK!” Cowgirl Up Erica!

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Originally from Chicago, Illinois, for the last 37 years, Barbara Miss Kitty” Love has made her home in Memphis and Moscow, TN. She was prepared for life as a teacher in Chicago where she earned a B.S. Degree in Education from Chicago State University, when her husband’s job took them to Memphisand allowed them to escape the brutal Chicago winters.

After the end of her 17 year marriage, her girls were truly having a difficult time adjusting and in an effort to help them heal, she purchased a gift for them that would forever change their lives; His name was Snapper. Snapper, a big brown and white paint pony proved to be the best therapy in the world. He could run barrels and pull a wagon; put some weights on his feet and he could be a Tennessee walker. He was so versatile. Snapper could buck professional bronc busters so hard; they wanted him for rodeo stock.

If Snapper didn’t like you, he didn’t ride you. Barbara’s girls became excellent riders because after they rode Snapper, they could ride anything.

Soon, they became popular at local shows riding Tennessee walking horses and running barrels. After Snapper came other horses, pony rides, dully trucks, trailers, etc. Barbara was working so many jobs that she barely had time to sleep. She even acquired a Degree in Industrial Engineering Technology at a State Technical Institute in Memphis, a Masters Degree from FreedHardeman University, both in Jackson, Tennessee; all while working and taking care of kids and animals. Looking back on those days, Barbara gives God all the credit for keeping her.

To this day, after almost 30 years in the rodeo, most people don’t know that “Miss Kitty” is not her real name. She was a given the name, “Miss Kitty” after a character from the T.V. Show “Gunsmoke” because she was at a saddle club called the Longbranch. Although she hated it at first the nickname “Miss Kitty” soon became a permanent brand. Perhaps it was her background as a hair stylist in Chicago that taught her to never go out without her “face on,” but Miss kitty has been teased for being “made-up” while cleaning out a stall and she has been known to hold up a show to powder her face before she entering the arena.

Along the way, “Queen of Rodeo” is another nickname that she acquired. In 1991, a friend of hers decided that he would start his own rodeo and somehow received funding to do it. When he came to her to help him with a performance for the schools, not wanting to do anything to jeopardize her job, she went to the Board of Education and learned the correct protocol for this type of thing. In the process, she found herself reading all the contracts and handling all the other duties it takes to put on a rodeo. The “Queen of Rodeo” definitely learned rodeo through the school of “hard knocks.”

Although that experience did not turn out as well as she had hoped, around 1993 when a very persistent man named Lu Vason reached out to her about bringing the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo to Memphis, Miss Kitty eventually agreed to help even though she had sworn to never do another rodeo. The first year was just decent, but word spread quickly spread about Bill Pickett. “We’ve had years where we were rustled up a bit, but we had some great years too,” Ms. Kitty has said. Although, his ways would sometimes ruffle her feathers, she credits Lu Vason’s words of encouragement as well as their understanding and mutual respect of one another for keeping her strong and determined to keep going for all of these years.

When asked about the future of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in light of the passing of her dear friend, Lu Vason; her response was “It was a blessing for me to see Valeria learn the business. No better person than his wife, someone that loved him and always will, would have his best interest at heart. In the early days Lu would say ‘You don’t want to see Valeria at no rodeo.’ ” Ms. Kitty says that she is glad to see Valeria at the Rodeo and knows that she will make sure that his legacy will remain strong for generations to come.

The last 25 years have brought about many changes for “Miss Kitty.” She has retired from teaching. The kids have long since left the nest.

Three grandchildren and one on the way have found their place in her heart. This year, she even lost her beloved Snapper who was 31 years old. However, one of the greatest changes was the loss of Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo founder, Mr. Lu Vason last year. His spirit and words of wisdom will always echo in her mind and heart. She credits Mr. Vason with teaching her Rodeo and doing something that all of the formal degrees that she received could not. The rodeo education that she received has provided an avenue for her to meet people across the nation; including city dignitaries, movies stars, and more. Most of all it helped to educate thousands of people, young and old about the forgotten legacy of the Black cowboy. In 2001, Ms. Kitty received a belt buckle for being the “Top School Coordinator,” which she considers a great honor.

There were a few years when six to seven thousand students would attend the rodeo in one day.

The rodeo has really given “Ms. Kitty” an opportunity to really enjoy life. She thanks the Bill Pickett Rodeo for the opportunity, and especially thanks Lu Vason for never giving up on her.

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Most of you know Sam as the announcer of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo but what you may not know is that he has been in the rodeo industry since he was a young boy.

Sam picked up a mic at the age of 9 and has never let go.

A big believer in education, Sam graduated from Dale Carnegie School of Business and auctioneer school in Iowa before going back to college and receiving his BA in Political Science and his Masters degree in Urban Affairs in the 90’s. He combined his passion for education and the rodeo, by adding teacher to his list of credentials, even teaching others how to become rodeo announcers.

Sam has filled many roles in the industry and created others. He founded OKC Night Rodeo, he has been the announcer of the IFR, ACRA, and PRCA finals, worked for the association as the marketing director and also became the winner of the contract acts there. Currently Sam continues the announce rodeos, is a successful business owner, and produces the Denver Stock show each January.

A long list of accomplishments indeed, however just ask The Voice of the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo to name his greatest accomplishment and he will tell you that his greatest accomplishment is the pleasure of being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and mentor.

Growing up in Ames, Texas John has always had a love for the rodeo. He never participated in any events but liked the bull riding. As he got older he went into the Naval Service and worked his way up through the navy starting as an airmen retiring as a Chief petty officer eventually settling down in Denver.

In 1990, while at a gas station he had a chance encounter with Sedgwick Haynes who invited him to the Bill Pickett Rodeo and he has been hooked ever since. Now, his family lovingly refers to the Rodeo as “his Christmas.” From traveling out of town for all of the rodeos, to cooking food for the cowboys, and hosting them in his home, the rodeo has given John some of the best times of his life including a friendship with Lu Vason.

John loves meeting new people who have never seen a rodeo, let alone a Black Cowboy. It warms his heart to see the faces of children when they look out into the arena and see men and women who look just like them. It is a rich history that he is proud to be a part of.

Alfred, who has been with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo since its inception in 1984 was born and raised in Muskogee, OK where he remembers that his dad roped and was always around rodeo folk. He was about 16 when he first started rodeoing with bareback horses, but it was after he placed in steer wrestling in St. Charles, MO he was hooked and started traveling to the rodeos as much as possible.

Due to health concerns, Alfred became a rodeo judge so that he could continue to be a part of the rodeo circuit. I started judging with The Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo in ‘97 and still judges for them today. It is part of my life. Rodeoing is the only thing I have ever known beside rail road. I thought about quitting several times, but I can’t stand not being around my rodeo family. It is the only thing that he knows besides the railroad.

When you ask Alfred what his what is your most memorable moment with the BPIR was, he will tell you it was when he won his 1st championship. His favorite rodeo markets are Virginia Beach and Washington, DC. Alfred will also tell you that over the he has seen a lot of changes but what has remained the same are the BPIR rodeo fans. Alfred enjoys seeing the fans year after year and it warms his heart when people express that they are excited to see him again.

Alfred’s Philosophy: “One Day at a Time’ and his advice to everyone is “Don’t limit yourself on what you can do, take a chance.

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Jarvis Demery is the Fifteen year old son of Rodney and Kristi Demery of Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

Traveling with BPIR since he was 10 years old, Jarvis vividly remembers saving his own money to enter the calf roping contest, only to find out that he was too young. Well, that wasn’t enough to make Jarvis give up on his dream; in 2015 at the young age of 14 Jarvis was given the opportunity to fulfill his dream and entered the calf roping competition. Not only did Jarvis enter and participate, but he entered, placed and made it to the finals!

Jarvis attributes his biggest BPIR accomplishment to date to God’s grace. Since placing in the 2015 finals Jarvis has increased his practice regimen and feels that he is finally ready to rope with the big boys. As a current contestant in the 2016 BPIR Association, his goal is once again to make it to the finals. This will not be an easy feat seeing that he must compete against one of the best calf ropers in Oklahoma which happens to be none other than his big brother, CJ Demery. Is Jarvis intimidated?

Not in the least. He plans to bring his A game and push CJ to rope better.

Ask Jarvis what he loves best about being a part of the Bill Picket Invitational Rodeo, and he will tell you that what he loves most is the family atmosphere that the BPIR provides to so many people from around the globe. He says that there is always love, laughter and a good time when they gather. The rodeo life provides extra benefits to Jarvis’ biological family as well. As the third child of four, Jarvis looks forward to traveling together with his family and all the time spent together on the road. He thanks God for their safe travel and prays for travel blessings to continue.

Harrel Williams Jr. AKA “Junebug” was born and bred on the rodeo scene. He’s 4 years old and a 4th generation cowboy. His parents met in 2002 on the Bill Pickett Rodeo tour in Burbank California; thanks to Mr. Lu Vason, Eddie Byrd and Sedgwick Haynes. His mom is from the West Coast (Oakland, CA) and his dad is from the South (Hempstead, TX). Junebug was born to be a champion. His grandfather, Don Clark is a World Champion Team Penner and trains horses on the west coast. Junebug is also surrounded by the Solomon and Haynes family from down South; who has many championships and teaches him about rodeo life. His Father, Harrel Sr. has multiple Calf Roping championships on the Bill Pickett circuit and his mom (Danielle Clark) is a Barrel Racer, who has competed with the circuit since she was eight years old.

Harrel Jr. (“Junebug”) enjoys being a cowboy and loves his family. He states that he’s wants to be a stock contractor/rancher like his Papa Larry Solomon and Papa Don. Currently, Harrel. Jr. participates in multiple Youth Rodeo Associations in Texas; as well as travel with the BPIR. He also enjoys school, writing his name and teaching other’s their ABC’s (lol). Harrel Jr. eats, breathes and sleeps rodeo and has chosen it to be his only activity at this time.

This is test as a test of body type

For close to seven decades Jeff Douvel has spent his life either entertaining on stage as a singer or presenting information as a marketing professional for the corporate world or an independent contractor, consultant, and C.E.O. of the Media Group and currently his spin off company , Solutions Available Now. His clients as an independent contractor range from representing different African American owned media and publications, such as the Oakland Post Newspaper Group for over fifteen plus years as marketing and advertising manager. He traveled around the country and internationally to locations like Beijing four times a year as an independent contractor for the Beijing Tourism commission encouraging African American Businesses and families to consider their country and cities as a destination site for their vacations or business ventures.

He is credited with successfully coordinating special event projects and community engagement projects such as well known events like “The Miller Sound Express traveling sound concert series, The Harlem Globe Trotters shows, and major out door “billboard campaigns.

When he is asked, “How did you become involved with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, “The Greatest Show on Dirt” he is quick to tell you, In 1987 he met LU Vason. First as a potential advertising client for the Oakland Post Black owned Newspaper Group in his role as the advertising manage. His publisher Thomas L Berkeley had instructed him to do, Sell some “PAID” advertising space to promote the rodeo while they were in town.

Little did he know when he left that meeting, not only did he NOT have paid advertising space, but he had committed the paper as a media sponsor for the rodeo, and had even committed to be a contestant for one of the special promotions Lu created to have different forms of media challenge each other with teams in the arena.( “Put the giant Blummers”) on the cafe in the arena.

Over the many years, Jeff feels his involvement with the rodeo has been more than working as a member of BPIR. He feels the association with Lu Vason and BPIR became a “Friendship, a Mentorship, and a partnership.

Jeff felt a part of something big because Lu was always looking for new and inventive ways to tell the stories of omitted or forgotten cowboys/cowgirls, while at the same time trying to create a modern platform to showcase over three generations of new cowboys/cowgirls.

Jeff will tell you, when Lu selected him along with other members of his team to go to Las Vegas and negotiate with a brand new luxury show palace hotel to be the “FIRST” African American Rodeo to perform in one of the major entertainment arenas in the world, that it was a “WOW” moment in his life as a coordinator with the rodeo. Big things were happening and he was extremely excited to see a strong black man execute his dreams.

For thirty-two years that story continues to be told and for thirty years Jeff Douvel continues to be a part of the story every 2nd weekend of July with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Arena. Jeff currently serves as the Co-Oakland Coordinator and Sales Director for the Bill Pickett Invitation Rodeo. He is very passionate about the rodeo and the cowboys and cowgirls and has committed to Valeria Howard-Vason to keep the legacy going.

“Yes, There Are Black Cowboys/Cowgirls”

I want to be a cowboy.

And not a cowboy in the sense of the word, But a Cowboy in all of its truth.

A man who’s bravery is the pride of a people.

I wish to be like the silent conductors of thee “Rail Roads” forgotten, I desire to create legacies emulated by all after I have had my last dance.

I want to be a cowboy.

Because when the sun kisses the horizon of tomorrow’s dreams, I want to ride off into the sunset as did the forgotten Picketts.

I yearn to be like the forgotten Men who were overlooked in the texts of “our” American Hisstory, The Men omitted from the literature of this “land of the unfree and home of the enslaved”, Yet in still, I want to be like the Men that gave breath to what all men want to be dubbed; a Cowboy.

I want to be the molders of this land’s history, I endeavor to be a participant in the rebuilding of our Rosewoods; our Black Wall Streets, I want to be a Cowboy.

And if the Lord shall smile upon me and find me on my horse one day, I will say thank you not in words, But in my pride as a Black Cowboy in todays account.

And if this is my story to be told, All I should ask as a Cowboy when I have taken my last ride, Is to be left in my weathered and worn boots.

Not in a new pair that my life is unfamiliar with, But in the ones that holds my soul in their sole, In the ones I walked the journey of my ancestors, In the ones that little cowboys and cowgirls admired.

Bring me in the pair that the Lord made with all his love for the Black Men that made the West home, The Black Men that broke the untamed spirit of the wild, The true Cowboys.

The Men that before me paved the unpaved roads of the plains, I tilt my hat unto thee.

So in solitude I remember those that taught me the life I have come to embrace, And with every ride my soul says thank you for your contributions to my existence.

And to the Legends of our known, We pay homage to you.

To Enerst Deville, I say, I want to be a Cowboy.

To John Bassett, I say, I want to be a Cowboy.

To Alfred Pete, I say, want to be a Cowboy.

To James Lightfoot, I say, I want to be a Cowboy.

To Murry J. Frank, I say, I want to be a Cowboy.

To Roy Deville, I say, I want to be a Cowboy.

And to Lu Vason, I say, I want to be a Cowboy.

I want to be a Cowboy.

AMEN.

To the delight of thrilled audiences and rodeo fans from across the United States, each year on Martin Luther King JR’s birthday holiday, some of the nation’s most skilled and entertaining Black cowboys and cowgirls ride into Denver, Colorado for the MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO OF CHAMPIONS.

The MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions occurs during the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). The NWSS is a premier national Stock Show that takes place during the month of January in Denver, Colorado for 16-days. The NWSS serves as an entertainment arena, hosting one of the world’s richest regular season professional rodeos, the “Super Bowl” of Livestock Shows, nationally recognized Horse Shows and Colorado’s largest Western Trade.

The MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO OF CHAMPIONS is one of several signature events at the NWSS each year.

The MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO OF CHAMPIONS is another creation of Lu Vason, creator and founder of The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. The rodeo was created as a way to give honor to Dr. King for his dreams, accomplishments and his significant work for racial and economic equality. The MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO

OF CHAMPIONS will return to Denver, on January 16, 2017 for it’s 10th anniversary celebration as part of the NWSS. We hope you are able to join us as the African American champions of rodeo compete and entertain, while celebrating Dr. Kings’ birthday.

ADDED MONEY - Money donated to the rodeo committee by the sponsors to attract the contestants to the rodeo for competition.

ARENA DIRECTOR - Person responsible to see that the rodeo goes smoothly and according to the rules of the P.R.C.A. BREAKING THE BARRIER - When a contestant rides through, or breaks the barrier (rope or electonic eye) before it is released. Breaking the barrier adds a penalty of ten seconds to the contestant’s time.

CHAMPION - The rodeo champion is traditionally the high-money winner in an event for that season.

CHASING THE CANS - The rodeo nickname/term for barrel racing.

CHUTE FIGHTER - What a rough stock animal is called that will not stand still and tries to fight the cowboy before he leaves the chute.

DOUBLE KICKER - When a horse or bull that kicks up with the hind legs, walks on the front legs and then kicks again with the hind legs, before the hind legs touch the ground.

DUCKS OFF - When an animal that is running in a forward direction then suddenly moves off to the left or right.

ENTRY FEE - This is the money paid by the contestant before competing in a rodeo. Contestants must pay separate entry fees for each event they enter.

FIGHTING BULL - The exact kind of bull that you would like to give your mother-inlaw. These bulls are almost considered to be head hunters, but not quite.

FLAGMAN - This is the official who signals the end of elapsed time in timed events.

GO ROUND - This is the part of the rodeo that is required to allow each contestant to compete on one head of stock.

HAZER - This is the cowboy that rides on the opposite side of the steer and keeps the stock from running away from the steer wrestler’s horse HEADER - This is the cowboy that ropes the steer around the horns, head, or neck in team roping HUNG UP - When a rider that is off the animal but is still stuck in the rigging or bull rope.

JERK DOWN - When after roping the calf, the roper flips the calf straight over backwards. Can sometimes result in disqualification.L NECK ROPE - This is a rope that is affixed to an animal’s neck in the timed events. It is used to trip the barrier in front of the contestant to assure the animal a head start.

Lu Vason Founder & Creator 1984-2015 Valeria Howard-Vason Executive President & Producer Kenneth Johnson Chairman, BPMSF Michael Hancock Vice President Lu Vason Presents Jody Gilbert Art Director Office Coordinator

Miss Kitty Memphis, TN Coordinator

Sedgwick Haynes Co-General Manager

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Valeria Howard-Vason Executive President & Producer Sheri Vason Vice President Margo Wade LaDrew National Program Director

Jeff DouVal Oakland, CA Co-Coordinator

Sheri Vason Oakland, CA Co-Coordinator Margo Wade LaDrew Los Angeles CA Coordinator

Kenneth Johnson Chairman, Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund Michael Hancock Vice President Lu Vason Presents Dennis Johnson Corporate Secretary Leigh Hogan Comptroller

Custom Designers

Ronni Davis-Frank Atlanta GA Coordinator Gregory Freeman Sr Co-Coordinator WDC & N. Virginia Mansfield Montague Co-Coordinator Virginia

Tiphani Carter Grand Entry

Karimo - Bush Ltd. CLP Specialty Advertising

Carolyn Carter Co-General Manager Stephanie Haynes Rodeo Secretary

Acynthia Villery Rodeo Secretary Alfred Ousley Judges Coordinator

John DeClette Rodeo Timer

Photography Edward Miller, Haywood Galbreath Roy Dabney Ian Williams Paul Smith Kent D. Lyons Bernard Grant Forest McMullin LaDorria Jones Kenneth Bassard

Deon Osborne Arena Director Marcus Friday Rodeo Announcer

Sam Howry Rodeo Announcer Ariel Vason Rodeo Intern

CR Troy Walker Buffalo Soldier