Rodeo Soul Program 2018 - Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

As I was reflecting on my message this year, I had many thoughts. Since last year, a lot has changed and as a concerned citizen and business owner, I am more concern about the state of our country and society, with the gradual elimination of simply caring about people or showing acts of kindness. In other words, loving one another as a brother or sister.

It is extremely important to me to say that no matter what we see or hear daily, we must never forget the basic kindness within us and the foundation of love that was instilled in each of us from childhood. We must know who we are at all times and be leaders rather than followers by lifting each other up. We must control our emotions, be smart and wise in making decisions and always do what is right. We must build a better foundation, one with much more love and happiness.

Knowing that I must do my part, I feel I have a personal obligation to continue producing the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and taking it to various cities across the United States as a family friendly entertainment event. As we celebrate our 34th anniversary, we pride ourselves on building a family of love, both inside and outside the arena. When the rodeo started 34 years ago, it started with many Black cowboys and cowgirls from all over the US, where some knew each other but most didn’t. As a result of traveling with BPIR and growing together, many friendships were formed and now it is one big happy family.

I can also say the same about all of the fans who have supported the rodeo over the last 34 years. Many fans started out saying, “A Black rodeo”? The fans came and could not believe the experience they had. As a result, you kept coming back and bringing others with you. Our fan base has continued to grow. Some say it is a BPIR cult, but I prefer to refer to our fans and supporters as our extended family because we love you as much as you love us.

There is that word again, Love. If love is involved then you can never fail, since love is the pillar of life.

To the rodeo staff and my family, there are not enough words to express my thanks to you for your commitment and continued support. I love you dearly. To those sponsors who have stood by us and continued to provide financial support that assist us bringing the Bill Pickett Invitation Rodeo to your city, I also personally thank you.

A huge thank you to all (cowboys, cowgirls, staff, fans, supporters and sponsors) for your unending support and love of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Without you, there is no rodeo; therefore from the bottom of my heart I say thank you. To the many cowboys and cowgirls that make the personal sacrifices to travel with BPIR, I hope you know how much your support means. I love each of you and appreciate the opportunity to address the challenges we have shared because our respect for each other and love out-weighs everything else.

As this journey continues, I feel blessed and grateful that God continues to pave the way for us. He has not allowed any obstacles to deter us and he continues to provide the entire BPIR family with protection and love.

Let’s continue to love and enjoy what has been put before us. Let’s not allow the ugliness of this world to block our blessings and love for one another. We have achieved what many said would never be done and that is creating the only African American traveling rodeo in the world and being able to sustain 34 years of struggles and challenges. We should all be proud to be part of the history created and by telling our story while leaving footprints everywhere we go. As we move into celebrating our 35th anniversary, I say stay tune, greater things are yet to come.

Let’s Rodeo!

Valeria Vason-Cunningham President Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo

ALL AROUND COWGIRL

Kanesha Jackson

ALL AROUND FINALS CHAMPIONS

Kanesha Jackson & Denell Henderson

ALL AROUND COWBOYS

LaMontre Hosley & Denell Henderson BARE BACK CHAMPION

BAREBACK AVERAGE CHAMPION

Harrel Miller

LaMontre Hosley

STEER WRESTLING CHAMPION

Charles Barrett

CALF ROPING CHAMPION

Artrell Carmouche

STEER WRESTING AVERAGE CHAMPION

Jermemy Burkhalter

CALF ROPING AVERAGE CHAMPION

LADIES STEER UNDECORATING CHAMPION

Artrell Carmouche

LADIES BARREL RACING CHAMPION

LADIES STEER UNDECORATING AVERAGE CHAMPION

Carolyn Carter Makala Nealy

BULL RIDING CHAMPION

Kanesha Jackson

ROOKIE COWGIRL

LADIES BARREL RACING AVERAGE CHAMPION

Tyree Kossie

Yatiska Gaston

ROOKIE COWBOY

Artree Carmouche JUNIOR BARREL RACING CHAMPION

Kortnee Solomon

Kanesha Jackson

BULL RIDING AVERAGE CHAMPION

Jamarcus Whiting

Message from BPIR General Manager As we continue into our 2018/19 tour, I am often reminded we were not supposed to still be in existence. Each year the nay-sayer’s would make sure we knew, “This will be your last year.” As we continue into our 34th year, I am here to tell you the very thing which makes us that and more, is you; our unconditional fans who come to see us perform year after year as we travel the country doing what we do.

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPR) was the first to launch a touring all Black rodeo in 1984 and now it comes with yet another first. A rodeo association whose general manger is not only African American, but is also female.

I am honored to hold the title of General Manager of the only all African America Rodeo association.

As a professional female both in and outside the arena, I am honored to be a part of this historic journey, but to also have shared the title of Co-General Manager with the legendary Sedgwick Haynes.

As life often does, we were thrown a curve ball when we lost our very own, co-general manager, arena director, rodeo judge, father, brother, husband, grandfather and friend, Sedgwick Haynes, earlier this year.

Sedgwick was many things to many people and this often meant getting the job done at all costs. If you were offended by his actions, as people sometimes were, he would later apologize, and would always, always, say, “I love you,” before leaving you.

There is no replacing this icon of a cowboy. He is truly missed.

Part of my duties as general manager is to ensure you are entertained for 3 hours as we bring you some of the best African American rodeo athletes in the country. Traveling from every corner of the US we come to your town to show you we are still very real. BPIR has been a main stay in the rodeo world for the past 34 years and as proof of these years, we are now Five, yes five generations strong. Doing what we do because of our passion for the sport and BPIR I am excited for the opportunity and challenge to do one more thing that many say, “Can’t be done.” And that is to lead our organization of cowboys and cowgirls as we bring forth a 5th generation of contestants. The importance of our future is how and what nurturing and leadership we provide our babies. One of our goals is to provide a community approach to the newest generation and guide their rodeo careers as they continue to grow within our organization.

As a female in a predominately all male sport, I know there will be many challenges to face as we head into our 35th anniversary, but I have the heart and grit to survive. I have rodeo in my blood and there is no quitting for a cowgirl. I am excited to continue work with Mrs. Valeria Vason-Cunningham and feel that under her direction and leadership, this all female managed company can elevate the organization to the next level. I believe the two of us are such committed, strong believers, that nothing is impossible because we have the stamina and the knowledge to go toe to toe with the best of them.

I would like to say Thank you to our fans of the BPIR. Thank you for supporting us as we live out our way of life. Let’s Rodeo!

Carolyn Carter

It started 3 generations ago “rodeo”! Our family didn’t compete but were founders and part of the puzzle in the world of rodeo. My grandfather and two uncles help start one of the first rodeo associations in Southeast Texas and Louisiana. So I was going to Rodeos in my mother’s womb. You see Rodeo has always been in my blood!

My family ran the concessions and cooked the bar-b-que. My uncle was the rodeo secretary and announcer along with being on the board with his brother and many others. You might recognize their names Murray J Frank and Ernest DeVille. They along with Mr Bassett, A J Walker, Caston Richard, L D Fontenot, O C Jackson, Elton Laday and Floyd Frank along with many others had a vision and passion that created a path that many of us have walked through some time in our life.

My early childhood consisted in attending rodeos on Sundays in Cheek, TX at Bassett’s Arena and attending family “LaLas” know today as Zydeco’s. My Creole Heritiage: the music, the food, the lifestyle molds me. But I can’t speak a word of Creole French. Lol. My parents purchased a neighborhood grocery store when I was 4 years old. This is where I learned about money exchange; how to count change back to a customer without a calculator or cash register telling me. I also learned about economics and inventory “first in, first out” before I ever took a class. So you can say my passion for numbers and balancing started at a very young age. My mother, Elsie drove “customer service” in me and my siblings head. She would say’ “Treat everyone fair with courtesy and smile. They are the reasons why you can eat. They keep the doors open.” I worked as a evening and weekend manager until they sold the store 1987.

While in high school I started my “Event Planning and Promoter Life” by holding school dances to raise money. Little did I know this was the beginning of a life long journey.

In 1988, I was introduced to a tall man that looked like a City Slicker turned Cowboy by the name of Lu Vason. Jesse Guillory introduced me to Lu on their return trip to Beaumont, TX for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. Then in 1989 I became the coordinator for Beaumont. I was excited and scared. I made flyers typed on a typewriter and copied on yellow paper. You see Bill Pickett’s scarf was yellow. I thought I was doing something. The event made $13 and Lu wasn’t speaking to me. Lol. But the next year, I convinced Lu my sister aka Sarah could be the Rodeo Queen. Then I would travel on my own and volunteer at the different markets. In 1990, I met a beautiful lady with green eyes Valeria Howard, Lu’s right hand. She saw my hard work and had heard about me. They needed a office manager and she offered me the job. Little did I know the history behind being Lu’s Secretary, but I soon found out.

I moved to Denver in late 1991 and started my journey with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. I made the ultimate sacrifice as a mother and left my three babies looking to obtain a better life. They later joined me in Denver.

Working for Lu was a tough job. One you had to be able to read his hand writing. Once I did that I had accomplished a major goal, but to work with his attitude and sternness was a whole nother thing. He and Jesse use to make me cry, until one day I told Lu I am not crying anymore. He said “It is about time Little Girl. I knew you had it in you, I just needed you to find it. I have been hard for a reason.” That is when Lu went from Lu my boss to my “other dad” and I became his “Texas Daughter.” The bond we had was like no other. You see Valeria had become my “other mom” primarily because she knew how Lu was and always providing guidance.

In 1992, I was laid off and had to relocate back home to Texas. I moved to Houston, TX. I continued my journey with BPIR as the rodeo secretary and I traveled for 26+ years and have seen many states and places I never thought I would see. I learned more that any text book could teach me from these experiences. I learned how to really promote an event, how to write a sponsorship package, how to solicit sponsors, plan an event, write radio commercials etc, etc, etc.

In 2005, I formed the Bill Pickett Trail Riders with Lu’s permission and support. An event that grew over 11 years educating patrons about the Black Cowboys & Cowgirls Today, I am the store manager at Chico’s in Pearland, TX. Chico’s is a women apparel boutique. My team and myself style women daily.

I also produce Outreach Events such as fashion shows, food banks, Pop Up Stores, book launches and book signing. I am still using my skills: event planning, networking, marketing and promotions that I learn from my years with BPIR. Same skills different product!

Even though you may not see me on the BPIR circuit, I still work with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo behind the scenes as the Social Media Director. I miss traveling with my rodeo family, but hope to attend some BPIR events in the near future.

This is my story and I thank everyone who has been a part of it!!

It is in my blood and that will never change.

Acynthia

I lived my life. I have no regrets. I did what I wanted to do, pretty much how I wanted to do it and when I wanted to do it, even if it took the help of my friends (Chris Rolling and Ronnie Arceneaux) to convince my wife I was RIGHT‌ I am sure I left enough memories (good and bad) for everyone to share and have plenty of laughter. I will be watching all the rodeos from God’s Satellite Signal. Just know that I will be early, as I have always been; ready to watch a good show.

Always remember life is too short. We never know what deck of cards we will receive. I happened to receive one named CANCER. I had to make some adjustments for sure, but I did not let my illness determine my destination. I learned how to live with Cancer to continue my journey. There was no time for self-pity; my family and I had more championships to win in a time, which I knew was limited.

So know that I am at peace, as I have always been and as I closed my eyes one last time, I am peacefully asleep.

I love you all! Thank you for presenting my flowers while I was still able to see them. Thanks for all the visits to the hospital, phone calls, texts messages, videos to fix your horse or allowing me to coach you by phone. Some of you even thought I was a marriage counselor (imagine that).

Finally, I would like to thank you for the visits to the house and the rides, before I got my call to come home.

I loved it and I would not trade it for the WORLD.

Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Co-General Manager Sunrise: February 7, 1954 | Sunset: February 23, 2018

“THE FALLEN LIMB” A limb has fallen from the family tree.

I keep hearing a voice that says, “Grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song.

The good life I lived while I was strong.

Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you.

Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through.

My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest.

Remembering all, how I truly was blessed.

Continue traditions, no matter how small.

Go on with your life, don’t worry about falls I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin.

Until the day comes we’re together again.

Author Unknown

As I read the words to this poem, I realized Sedgwick had helped me to find the right words to reflect the essence of who he was. Sedgwick was always around when I needed his help. When I was not sure what to do, I always call him to get his opinion. Even when I didn’t want his opinion, Sedgwick was sure to give it to me.

We all knew Sedgwick and his passion for the BPIR and rodeo, which meant you would hear what he was thinking whether you wanted to or not.

We will miss him, his caring, guidance and direction. Even though he is no longer with us, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund will always remember his commitment to the organization and honor his heritage by starting a scholarship grant in his name. The Sedgwick Haynes Memorial Scholarship will be given once a year to a student or young adult who has a passion for calf roping and is interested in developing the skills to become a successful Calf Roper in the rodeo world.

In addition to the scholarship grant, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is honoring Sedgwick also by renaming its Calf Roping event the Sedgwick Haynes Calf Roping event.

Sedgwick will always remain in our hearts as his legacy continues through his family, friends and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

Thank you Sedgwick!

We miss and love you!

Valeria Howard-Cunningham

This is test as a test of body type

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE I was born in the city of Milwaukee, WI, that’s right I’m a city boy with an entertaining attitude and an enormous country heart. When I was young, I loved to entertain people and make them laugh. I never knew at that time this would become my passion.

I was just like every other kid in America, living day by day until my freshman year when I did something totally out of character. I tried out for Solomon Juneau’s High school football team and being ninety-eight pounds in Wisconsin, this didn’t fare too well. The team coach looked at me with my enormous helmet covering my eyes and the face guard hanging at my throat, he said “Son this may not be in your best interest!“ Well, that was my existence of my freshman year.

I then headed to the stage to try my hand at drama, there I found success in numerous plays such as; “Guys and Dolls, “West Side Story” and “The Fiddler On The Roof.”

My sophomore year I moved to Cleburne, Texas with my, Aunt Jean and Uncle Robert Potter. I was introduced to the small-town life, raising Black Angus cattle. I named my favorite cow, “Bernard.” Needless to say, I learned to never name something you intend to eat in the future.

But, that lifestyle I loved; being in the “country” learning to hunt, feed animals and slopping pigs was truly fulfilling and exciting. However, I still felt lost; like something was still missing.

I decided to return to Milwaukee, WI in my Junior and Senior years and started acting again in high school plays.

After graduating from High school, I attended the University of Whitewater and the University of Milwaukee where I continued to perfect my craft of acting. You will probably not believe this, but I was introduced to the game of rugby. Another sport I thought I would attempt to play.

After college, I was not thinking about pursuing an acting career or playing rugby, but instead I was more focused on working in our family trucking business, where I had the rewarding opportunity to facilitate growing our trucking brand. Our family trucking company was named DDAAT-CO which stood for the first letters of each of my family members name Donald,Donna, Avery, Arnold,and Tommie.

With the changing of the economy and high price of fuel we sold the company. Today I work for a company called SPARTANNASH a trucking company that supplies military families commodities at the base exchange centers.

In a space of twenty some odd years of working and playing rugby; I had a beautiful daughter, Kassandra. Oh, did I tell you that I excelled in playing rugby for the city of San Antonio, TX., and was inducted in the San Antonio Hall of fame in 2017.

While my life has had it’s ups and downs and a mind that was always looking for something new, my rodeo fascination didn’t come into play until I was introduced to it while watching my step daughter Dayna Carter compete in a steer un-decorating contest and watching close friend, Deon Osborn compete in roping steers.

In my mind I thought, “I love this life style” being around horses, bulls, rodeos and watching the cowboys and cowgirls compete. Most of all, I enjoyed being close to the arena/stage and hearing the sounds laughter and the jubilant screams from audiences...I was asking myself if I was just being easily impressed again. My mind would not stop spinning. I kept asking, what can I do knowing I didn’t have a horse, had never ridden a bull (not that I wanted to) or participated in any other rodeo event?

Then it struck me! Be a clown! But how? How can a city boy of 50+ years begin this dream? Well....

I started this dream in the year of 2016 when I asked a rodeo funny man named, Ron Hunter (a.k.a ICEMAN) to teach me the ropes. He agreed and two rodeos later with the encouragement of Barrel Racer/Steer Undecorater, Carolyn Carter and Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo owner, Valeria-Howard Cunningham, I was doing what was needed to make my dream come true.

The BPIR provided me the opportunity to performed in my first solo rodeo show in Oakland, CA in 2016 and that is where “SPANKY” was born.

One of the greatest enjoyment of being a rodeo funnyman in my opinion, is seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the audiences.

Seeing the smiles on all the children’s faces as I shook their hands and as I took pictures with them, it is “priceless!” Yes, I am filfulling the dream as “SPANKY the Rodeo Clown!”

My name is Danielle Clark, and I’m the offspring of Betty Pittman and Don Clark. I’m 38 years old and currently live in Prairie View, Texas.

My home town is Oakland, California. Throughout my journey in life, I’ve been blessed with my better half Harrel Williams Sr. and our child Harrel Williams Jr., A.K.A. “Junebug”.

I went to Castlemont High School in Oakland, and Upper Iowa University, where I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Management Information Systems. Currently I’m working on my M.B.A. at Prairie View A&M University, while managing a Texas Workforce Commission office. I was blessed that basketball paved a way for my education, where I played both in high school and college.

I got my start in the equine/rodeo world when I was 8 months old, as that’s when my Dad “Don Clark” mounted me on my first horse.

I’m a third generation cowgirl whom roots come from Arkansas. My grandfather was a Horse Trainer/Trader and My Dad currently trains Working Cow Horses in La Grange, California. Don Clark is a Hall of Famer in the Team Penning world, and has taught me pretty much everything I know about horses. I’ve competed and won in multiple areas in the equine world such as; Team Penning, Gymkhana, Barrel Races and Rodeos. Rodeo and barrel racing seemed to be my favorite, so my dad let me choose my path.

I participated in my first Bill Pickett Rodeo in 1988 at the age of 8 years old. I’ve been an active member for 30 years now, which has been most of my life. This association is special to me as it has taught and introduced me to many things in life. The Bill Pickett Rodeo promotes our black history, culture, professionalism, and family. Not only are the members of this association Cowboys and Cowgirls, but are professionals in Corporate America and other sectors of our economy. Bill Pickett will always play a major role in my life, as I was introduced to my better half by Eddie Byrd and Sedgwick Haynes.

With our union, came our biggest blessing “Junebug”! My baby was born on the rodeo trail and he eats, sleeps and breathes the sport as a 5 year old.

My motto in life is to respect, encourage and be of assistance to others. I have to thank my parents (Betty, Don, Carmen), My Aunt Debbie White, My God Parents: The Deans and Solomon’s, my aunts and uncles, my siblings, Eddie B., the Hayne’s, my basketball coaches, Ms. Valeria Cunningham and my instructors; for teaching, inspiring and loving me through this journey called life. I love you all!

Danielle

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

LIVE IN 2019 - DENVER COLORADO The MLK JR. AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE RODEO OF CHAMPIONS will return to Denver, on January 20, 2019 for it’s 12th 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

If you live in Southeast Texas and Louisiana then you know the “Rodeo Capital” of that area CHEEK, TX. Cheek has produced and still produces rodeo athletes that compete locally to professionally. The athletes are three to four generations deep. We introduce you to a young rodeo athlete that takes her bloodline seriously and competes hard as she enters the arena. Megan is such a people person. Despite her competing in an event, she always is willing to help and cheer for her friends competing against her. Let me introduce you to Meagan Good aka Meagan Byrd Meagan Byrd from Cheek, Texas is 27 years young. She will tell you “I’ve been riding horses since I can remember. I’m a 3rd generation Cowgirl. I rope breakaway, run barrels, and steer undecorate. Rodeo is not just a hobby for me but my lifestyle. I have won several championships throughout this rodeo trail from several different rodeo associations. I live by the quote “If God is for me, who could be against me” I love what I do I am a professional black cowgirl!”

Megan is a Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Association members and travels across the United States with the BPIR.

“ALMOST TOTALLY MISSING FROM THE TRADITIONAL HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN WEST IS THE ROLE OF THE BLACK COWBOY AS WELL AS OTHER BLACK PIONEERS WHO TRAVELED THROUGH AND SETTLED DURING THE NINETEENTH CENTURY IN THE VAST TERRITORY WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI,” WRITES WILLIAM (WILL, BILL) PICKETT WAS A LEGENDARY COWBOY FROM TAYLOR, TEXAS OF BLACK AND INDIAN DESCENT. HE WAS BORN DECEMBER 5, 1870, AT THE JENKS-BRANCH COMMUNITY ON THE TRAVIS COUNTY LINE. Bill Pickett was the second of thirteen children born to Thomas Jefferson and Mary Virginia Elizabeth (Gilbert) Pickett, both of whom were former slaves. The family’s ancestry was African-American and Cherokee. He began his career as a cowboy after completing the fifth grade. Bill soon began giving exhibitions of his roping, riding and bulldogging skills, passing a hat for donations.

By 1888, the family had moved to Taylor, Texas and Bill performed in the town’s first fair that year. Pickett soon became known for his tricks and stunts at local country fairs. With his four brothers, he established The Pickett Brothers Bronco Busters and Rough Riders Association. The name Bill Pickett soon became synonymous with successful rodeos. He did his bulldogging act, traveling about in Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, and Oklahom. Bill was also a member of the national guard and a deacon of the Baptist church.

In 1890, Pickett married Maggie Turner, a former slave and daughter of a white southern plantation owner. The couple had nine children.

Bill Pickett came to be known by the nicknames of “The Dusky Demon” and “The Bull-Dogger,” Pickett gave exhibitions in Texas and throughout the West. His performance in 1904 at the Cheyenne Frontier Days (America’s best-known rodeo) was considered extraordinary and spectacular. He signed on with the 101 Ranch show in 1905and became a full-time ranch employee in 1907. The next year, he moved his wife and children to Oklahoma.

From 1905 to 1931, the Miller brothers’ 101 Ranch Wild West Show was one of the great shows in the tradition begun by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody in 1883. The 101 Ranch Show introduced bulldogging (steer wrestling), an exciting rodeo event invented by Bill Pickett, one of the show’s stars.

Riding his horse, Spradley, Pickett came alongside a Longhorn steer, dropped to the steer’s head, twisted its head toward the sky, and bit its upper lip to get full control. Cowdogs of the Bulldog breed were known to bite the lips of cattle to subdue them. That’s how Pickett’s technique got the name “bulldogging.

He later performed in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South America, and England, and became the first black cowboy movie star. Had he not been banned from competing with white rodeo contestants, Pickett might have become one of the greatest record-setters in his sport. He was often identified as an Indian, or some other ethnic background other than black, to be allowed to compete.

Pickett died in 1932 near Ponca City, Oklahoma as a result of injuries received from a working horses kicking him in the head at the 101 Ranch. His grave is on what is left of the 101 Ranch property near Ponca City.

Since his death, Pickett was inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1972 for his contribution to the sport.

In 1984, Rodeo Producer Lu Vason created and named the only traveling African American Rodeo after Bill Pickett to give him the recognition that he deserved and expose the community to his rodeo contributions, such as inventing the rodeo event Bull Dogging.

In1989, years after being honored by the National Rodeo Hall of Fame, Pickett was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy at Colorado Springs, Colorado. The United States Postal Service chose to include Bill Pickett in the Legends of the West commemorative sheet unveiled in December 1993.[13] One month later, the Pickett family informed the Postal Service that the likeness was incorrect. Its source material was a misidentified photograph of Bill Pickett’s brother and fellow cowboy star, Ben Pickett. In October 1994, the USPS released corrected stamps based on the poster for The Bull-Dogger Bill Pickett was also honored by the Texas Trail of Fame and in 2003 was inducted into the National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum and Hall of Fame. The National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, formerly the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame, is a museum and hall of fame in Fort Worth, Texas.

Today, Bill Pickett continues to live through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, the only African American travelling rodeo in the world.

AVERAGE Usually used to describe the aggregate score for a contestant who competed in more than one round, e.g., “He had times of 9.3 and 9.8 seconds in the two rounds and placed third in the average with 19.1 seconds on two head” BULLFIGHTER An athlete who protects the bull rider after he dismounts or is bucked off by distracting the bull and directing its attention to the exit gate, sometimes stepping between the bull and the bull rider BOX In a timed event, the area a horse and rider back into before they make a roping or steer wrestling run Breaking the barrier: in the timed events, if the rider leaves the box too soon – failing to give the animal enough of a head start – he is assessed a 10-second penalty.

CHUTE A pen that holds an animal safely in position Covering: in the roughstock events, staying on for at least the minimum time, eight seconds: “He covered all three broncs he rode last weekend.”

BARRELMAN An entertainer who uses a barrel to distract a bull after a ride, and sometimes to protect the cowboy.

BARRIER In timed events, a line at the front of the box that the contestant and his horse cannot cross until the steer or calf has a head start, usually marked with a rope and a flag so the timers can see it drop and start the clock HOOEY The knot that a cowboy uses to finish tying the calf’s legs together in tiedown roping.

FLANK STRAP A soft sheepskin- or Neoprene-lined strap placed in the area where a human’s belt would go, it encourages the animal to kick out behind itself rather than rear up, which provides a safer, showier ride.

FLAGS Because rodeo’s timed events are measured in tenths of seconds, judges in the arena drop flags to signal the timers to stop the clocks.

MARK OUT In the bareback and saddle bronc riding, a cowboy’s feet must be above the point of the horse’s shoulders when the horse’s front feet hit the ground – if so, he “marked the horse out,” but if not, he “missed him out” and the ride is disqualified.

FLANKMAN A cowboy or cowgirl who works in the bucking chutes, adjusting the flank strap around the animal before the ride; the best flankmen and women are familiar with each individual animal and know exactly how much flank to give each animal to encourage optimal bucking.

TRY A noun used for both cowboys and livestock, denoting grit, determination, fitness, stamina and resilience: “Give that cowboy a hand – he had a lot of try”.

SPURS The spurs used in rodeos have dulled rowels that do not penetrate the animals’ skin, which is several times thicker than human skin; see the PRCA and Livestock Welfare chapter for more information.

The Fund endeavors to strengthen, promote and 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.

2018 Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund Recipients

The Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund awards both a National and Regional Scholarship in 2018.

Erica Adrienne Frank is the 2018 National Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship recipient from Loganville, Georgia and is a two time Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship recipient.

Erica is an eighteen-year-old college sophomore who attends Oglethorpe University with an overall college GPA of 3.4. Erica is also very active in her college and local community and has been a lifelong cowgirl on the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo tour since the age of two.

Erica in addition to her studies has now started to mentor young girls at her family ranch. She continues her college journey in the fall of 2018 with a declared Pre-Law Degree and will continue to represent the excellence that Lu Vason and Valeria Howard-Cunningham began over 30 years ago.

Erica says “Mr. Lu Vason and Mrs. Valeria both have given myself and many others the opportunity to achieve our dreams. Therefore, I will do everything to make sure to show generations to come that Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo really is the Greatest Show on Dirt!”

Sidney Gilford is the first Regional Scholarship Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship recipient. Sidney is a 2018 high school graduate from Overland High School who has had some fantastic high school experiences. He played football and basketball, participated in the Speech and Debate club, while assisting in a number of community outreach and volunteer efforts. One of the community organizations that Signey developed a passion for is the “Colorado Black Health Collaborative “ which is an organization that strives to improve health equity and connect the black community. Sidney is a faithful member of the praise and worship team at Potter’s House Church of Denver.

As he approaches college, his primary program of study will be sociology. Sidney has an personal aspiration to become a sociologist and criminal researcher. He loves people and has a desire to research groups, cultures and organizations and collaborate with policy makers and social scientists to address societal issues and try to make our world a better place.

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Message from BPMSF Board Chair My passion and drive as the Chair of the Bill Pickett Scholarship Fund (BPMSF) is to provide more opportunities for kids and young adults to experience the Black Cowboy and Cowgirl through the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR). Since March 1987, the BPMSF has demonstrated an abiding commitment to education by providing an annual scholarship to a deserving student. We will continue to honor the legacy of our founder, Lu Vason by providing more scholarships and increasing the number of students experiencing the Rodeo.

As we celebrate the 34th BPIR anniversary, it is my pleasure to share with you some of our wonderful accomplishments and plans for moving the Bill Pickett Scholarship Fund in 2019. The BPMSF Board of Directors will focus on the following initiatives:

In January of this year we piloted our Regional Scholarship program by providing a Colorado student a scholarship, which was presented at the Denver rodeo. We had great interest and received positive feedback from the community. It is our intent to provide a scholarship to a student in all the cities where the BPIR will perform in 2019. We are working hard to bring all the above initiatives to fruition.

2. Implement our Regional Scholarship program.

A special thanks to everyone for all of their hard work and the dedication that makes the Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund so successful! We are thrilled with the support of our sponsors, donors, contributors, our talented cowboys and cowgirls, and our amazing audience who come to enjoy four generations of the Black cowboy and cowgirl.

3. Create and implement the Sedgwick Haynes Memorial Calf Roping Fee Grant

Let’s Rodeo and continue having an impact on our youth!

1. Restructure of our Annual Scholarship program.

4. Provide greater opportunities for students to experience the rodeo through our Rodeo for Kidz Sake program.

5. Expand both the Board and Advisory Board of Directors membership

Ken Johnson Board Chair Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund

Thurgood Marshall born in Baltimore, Maryland on July 2, 1908, Thurgood

Marshall was the grandson of a slave. His father, William Marshall, instilled in him from youth an appreciation for the United States Constitution and the rule of law. After completing high school in 1925, Thurgood followed his brother, William Aubrey Marshall, at the historically black Lincoln University in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

In 1930, he applied to the University of Maryland Law School, but was denied admission because he was Black.

Thurgood sought admission and was accepted at the Howard University Law School that same year. Marshall’s first major court case came in 1933 when he successfully sued the University of Maryland to admit a young African American Amherst University graduate named Donald Gaines Murray.

Thurgood Marshall followed his Howard University mentor, Charles Hamilton Houston to New York and later became Chief Counsel for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During this period, Mr. Marshall was asked by the United Nations and the United Kingdom to help draft the constitutions of the emerging African nations of Ghana and what is now Tanzania.

After amassing an impressive record of Supreme Court challenges to state-sponsored discrimination, including the landmark Brown v. Board decision in 1954, President John F. Kennedy appointed Thurgood Marshall to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In this capacity, he wrote over 150 decisions including support for the rights of immigrants, limiting government intrusion in cases involving illegal search and seizure, double jeopardy, and right to privacy issues. Biographers Michael Davis and Hunter Clark note that, “none of his (Marshall’s) 98 majority decisions was ever reversed by the Supreme Court.”

In 1965 President Lyndon Johnson appointed Judge Marshall to the office of U.S. Solicitor General. Before his subsequent nomination to the United States Supreme Court in 1967, Thurgood Marshall won 14 of the 19 cases he argued before the Supreme Court on behalf of the government. Indeed, Thurgood Marshall represented and won more cases before the United States Supreme Court than any other American.

Marshall was the Court’s 96th justice and its first African-American justice.

MADAM C.J. WALKER was born Sarah Breedlove to former slaves, Owen and Minerva Breedlove in

Delta, Louisiana on December 23, 1867. Breedlove became an orphan at age seven when her parents died. Three years later, ten-year-old Sarah and her sister moved across to river to Vicksburg, Mississippi to work as maids.

By her fourteenth birthday, Sarah married Moses McWilliams of Vicksburg and three years later gave birth to her only daughter She and her daughter moved to St. Louis to join her older brothers who were barbers. While in St. Louis she found work as a washer woman earning $1.50 per day.

In 1905 Breedlove moved to Denver, Colorado where she sold hair care products for St. Louis businesswoman Annie Pope-Turnbo. It was in Denver that she married her third husband, newspaper sales agent Charles Joseph

Walker. She also decided in Denver to found a business to manufacture and market her own hair treatment formula which she called Wonderful Hair Grower. Breedlove adopted a new professional name, Madam C.J. Walker, which she retained after her divorce from Charles Walker in 1912 and began to offer her products for sale through door-to-door agents called Madam C.J. Walker Hair Culturists. Walker also set up a training school for her sales personnel.

As the business expanded Walker relocated her operations to Indianapolis, then the largest inland shipping hub in the nation, to establish a factory for her line of beauty products. She also created a chain of beauty parlors in major cities in the United States, South America, and the Caribbean.

Breedlove also set up a training school for beauticians in Pittsburgh and began to advertise and sell products by mail order.

By 1915 Madam C. J. Walker was by far the wealthiest African American woman in the nation.

Source: African American History in the West

“Greater Exposure - Their Future depends on Us”

By Ronnie Cunningham The greatest responsibility of adult generations is to encourage and support the spiritual and intellectual development of our youth. Integrated in that responsibility is providing our youth with a healthy self-esteem, sound moral values and preparation for success in the future. Our youth face a world that is increasingly becoming more complex and more competitive each day. The complexities of globalization and the rapid advancement of technology are creating more uncertainty each day.

Through not knowing what to do and allowing complacency to become the norm, we have fallen way behind in our preparing our youth to compete in a changing world. Previous generations had the benefit of a wide variety of traditional jobs and opportunities. Previous generations had to compete with boy or girl next door, around the block or on the other side of the tracks. Today’s generations will find themselves competing not with boys and girls next door or across the tracks, but also in different countries all over the world.

Half of the world’s population is under age 30. Think about that, that is approximately 3.8 billion youth and young adults. As jobs are continuing to be eliminated due to either globalization or advancing technology, competition will increase exponentially. America has steadily declined in rank in the Program International Student Assessment (PISA) among the world leading nations. This assessment measures 15-year old students in math, reading and science. 2015 scores found the United States 35th in math, 24th in reading and 25th in science. I suspect the 2018 results will not fare better The above results are not encouraging to say the least!

However, attending the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) Rodeo For Kidz Sake in Memphis and the Washington D.C. areas provided me with encouragement. Inside of everyone of our youth exist a potential beyond our imagination. It is the job of parents, teachers, the faith-based community and others to bring out that potential. Seeing the smiles and excitement of thousands of students as they learned about the roles of

Blacks in the development of the West and witnessed the Black Cowboys and Cowgirls perform brought joy and hope to my heart. Why? Because, they were being exposed to something for which they had no clue.

Our youth (particularly African-Americans) need more exposure, culturally, intellectually and spiritually. The contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans in building this great country have been omitted from history books. It is our responsibility to let our youth know about the contributions and accomplishments made by our forefathers.

In talking to many kids at the Rodeos; the one that stands out the most came from a 7-year old named, Isaiah upon his walking into the venue, he loudly shouted, “Black Cowboys, are you kidding me?”

Yes, our heritage is rich and worthy of being proud of (despite the challenges we’ve faced), but of little value unless we pass it along to future generations. Our youth’s future depends on them getting greater exposure and that is what the BPIR Rodeo For Kidz Sake is all about. We can and must do better in preparing them for the future!

Ronnie Cunningham

My name is Denise Tyus. I am a Wife, a Mother, a Grandmother (aka D-mama) and a Cowgirl!

My Husband Wefus Tyus whom I met on the rodeo trail and I, along with our 4 (now adult) children Kendrick Tyus (30), Denesha Henderson (27), JR Tyus (26) and Denell Henderson (25) have traveled Coast to Coast completing in rodeo. When I am not in the saddle, I’m on the court officiating High School and or Women’s College basketball games or off somewhere swinging a bat in a 50 plus softball tournament. I’ve been a manager for Tyson Foods for the past 17 years and worked for Kraft Foods for 11.5 years prior. Staying active is my motivation.

I graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management and attended on basketball scholarship.

Following graduation prior to going to work for Kraft Foods, I spent some time working for a friend of my Uncle Eugene “Goon” Golden whom had been a member of the Negro Baseball League. That friend was Mr. Marques Haynes of the Harlem Globetrotters whom at the time had his own traveling basketball team known as the Harlem Magicians.

Though I truly enjoyed basketball, rodeo was always a favorite for me. I had been around rodeo most of my life following in behind my cousin Gina Barrett. As a kid I was a little afraid of falling off the horse but Gina and my Uncle Elroy would make me ride anyway. Then I decided I was good at warming Gina’s horse up before she ran barrels and cooling him off afterwards. Shoot her horse “Zero” became my friend. LOL Though I’ve been around rodeo most of my life, it wasn’t until I was grown and had my daughter in March of 1990 that I began competing. I got tired of just sitting back watching and my Dad had tried to convince me for YEARS to compete. I purchased my first horse (Goldie), a 2-horse trailer and a saddle from my Dad in 1990 for $500 (ok so for that price it was a gift) on a Sunday evening and I entered my first rodeo the following weekend at Eastside rodeo in Oklahoma and I was 1 out of the money. The adrenaline rush that day was all it took for me to keep entering. I spent some time training and learning to barrel race with Ronnie and Donnie Stephens of Tulsa Oklahoma.

I first joined the BPIR Circuit in the summer of 1991 and traveled all over the place dragging my children and many times my Mom as well. In 1992 I was competing in both Barrel Racing and Ladies Steer Undecorating until I was almost 7 months pregnant with my now 6’8, 25 year old son. I didn’t compete at the finals that year because of a deal I made with my son’s Father and my Mother which was …. “When I got too big and I could no longer get up in the saddle without getting a boost” I would stop riding until after he was born. So just before the BPIR finals of 1992 in Atlanta GA, stopped riding until my son was born in January 1993. By the time the 1993 season was in full swing, I was back in the saddle, up and down the road with two children.

In 1997 I won my first BPIR barrel racing and all-around title. As the years would pass I became a member of a couple other associations and as I continued my rodeo journey my children began to ride and compete as well. Though I’ve won numerous events and buckles, it would be 10 years before I actually won my next BPIR saddle in 2007 in the Ladies Steer Undecorating.

Since that first BPIR title and saddle I can honestly say that not only am I proud to a champion and have collected winnings as well as lots of rodeo hardware (buckles, etc.) along the way, but I am proud to be a part of black history and tell people that I’m a Cowgirl. Rodeo has been a way of life for my family long before I began competing 28 years ago. Though I plan to continue the journey for as long as I am able to get in that saddle without a boost, I realize that it’s time to pass the torch and I pray that I get a chance to see one of my very own at the next and top level of rodeo. I now enjoy watching my children compete just as much as I enjoy competing and soon my grandchildren. Rodeo has been a blessing.

Nat Love (June 1854 – 1921) was an African-American cowboy and former slave in the period following the American Civil War. Love was born a slave on the plantation of Robert Love in Davidson County, Tennessee around 1854. His father was a slave foreman on the plantation’s fields, and his mother the manager of its kitchen.

Despite slavery-era statutes that outlawed black literacy, he learned to read and write as a child with the help of his father, Sampson. When Sampson died shortly after the second crop was planted.

Afterward, Nat took a second job working on a local farm to help make ends meet.

At about this time, he was noted as having a gift for breaking horses. After some time of working extra odd jobs in the area, he won a horse in a raffle, which he then sold back to the owner for $50. He used the money to leave town and, at the age of 16, headed West.

After driving a herd of cattle to the rail head in Deadwood, Dakota Territory, he entered a rodeo on the 4th of July in 1876, enticed by the $200 prize money.[4] He won the rope, throw, tie, bridle, saddle, and bronco riding contests. It was at this rodeo that he claims friends and fans gave him the nickname “Deadwood Dick”, Love decided he needed to leave the cowboy life. He married his wife Alice in 1889 and settled down, initially in Denver, taking a job in 1890 as a Pullman porter overseeing sleeping cars of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad. While working for the railroad, he and his family resided in several western states, before finally moving to southern California.

In 1907, Love published his autobiography entitled Life and Adventures of Nat Love, Better Known in the Cattle Country as ‘Deadwood Dick,’ by Himself, which greatly enhanced his legacy.[1] Love spent the latter part of his life as a courier and guard for a Los Angeles securities company.[4] Love died there in 1921, at the age of 67.

Source: African American History in the West

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UNITED HORSEMEN’S ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & BILL PICKETT RODEO COORDINATOR Mansfield, “Monty” as some call him, proudly serves as one of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Coordinators for the Washington DC area. Mansfield’s passion for horses began at a young age when he helped his grandfather plow fields with horses and mules, and tend the farm animals.

Later, he was involved with mentoring youth in 4-H and transporting them to horse shows and events.

Mansfield’s enthusiasm for horses is well-known. He’s the guy with all the horse emblems on the side of his truck who gives many, many “pony rides” with his horses at family reunions, church picnics, and community events. He has personally introduced hundreds of people to horsemanship by inviting them over to his house and letting them ride his horses. Strangers have become friends, and friends have become equine enthusiasts.

For many, this was their first experience seeing a black cowboy or even standing close to a horse. For others, this has led to “living the cowboy or cowgirl lifestyle” as horse owners. Mansfield has been there throughout their journey to help them pick out their first horse, trailer, or barn; or to help them learn to drive a tractor or back up their horse trailer. He gives of himself and his time freely in the service of others.

Mansfield is a well-respected leader in his community. He is the current President of the United Horsemen’s Association of Fredericksburg Virginia. He has served in this capacity for twenty years. As President and friend, he mentors us by sharing his real-life experiences and practical knowledge of horses and everything related to them. His ongoing support helps us all to be the best we can be on our own! He is self-less in his efforts, never seeking to be acknowledged or recognized personally.

Mansfield is a Trustee, Usher, and life-long member of Mt. Hope Baptist Church in Stafford (Brooke) Virginia. Mansfield was one of the first African-American volunteer fire fighters in Stafford County, and has volunteered continuously with the Fire Department since that time. He is a small business owner operating Montague Trucking Incorporated. Mansfield works closely with Stafford County and the surrounding jurisdictions for large animal rescue and transport.

Mansfield inherited his strong work ethic and concern for others from his parents and grandparents. He is always willing to lend a hand to those in need and is often the last to leave when there is work to be done. Mansfield is the proud father of two daughters, Nina and Rene, and has four grandchildren. He is also a proud United States Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Montague loves God, family, life and everyone around him. He developed a deep passion for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and is honored to be one of the rodeo coordinators.

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I was born into a rodeo family. My grandpa roped calves and both of my parents competed in rodeo.

My mom barrel raced and my dad rode bulls, so there was no escaping for me.

Very few people know that before I started riding bulls, I was a calf roper at the age of 4. Just like every other kid, as I begin to get older, I started playing regular sports such as football and basketball. However, I would never miss an opportunity to go to any rodeo with my parents. While at the rodeo I ran around with the other kids playing but when it was time for the bull riding, I would immediately stop playing and watched the bull riding. It was so exciting to see the cowboy trying to stay on these large and ferocious animals. As I watched intensely, I kept telling myself, I want to do that.

It was around 1999, when I entered my first rodeo in the steer riding at CY Fair Rodeo Association.

I was so excited and competed the whole summer in their series. In the last rodeo of the session and my last steer, I got hung up pretty bad. My mom was seriously concern and thought I would be done with rodeo after that incident. Being a mom, she tried to make me choose between rodeo and sports, hoping I would chose sports. But as life would have it, I chose rodeo. It was just something in my blood and I couldn’t walk away from it.

In my 2nd year competing in the same association in 2000, I won my first buckle and from that moment I was hooked on being a bull rider. I always had my other’s support but she always watched over me. When she was not able to take me, she sent me with Craig Jackson and Jonathan Brown to compete in other associations such as T.Y.R.A and A.S.G.C.A associations to name a few. I went on to win other steer riding championships and then joined a mini bull riding association. After numerous wins, I stepped it up to Junior bulls because I dominated the steer riding event. In 2005, I became A.S.G.C.A Jr. bull riding champion.

2005 was also my first year competing in a BPIR rodeo.

Justin Richard and Sedgwick Haynes encouraged me to participate with BPIR. After a few rodeos, I set a goal to become the BPIR rookie cowboy that year. It was a tough year for me and I fail to reach my goal, but that failure only motivated me. In 2006, I set a new goal to become BPIR bull riding champion in 2006. My mission was accomplished. In addition, I became the High School Region 9 bull riding champion. This were huge accomplishments for me. I was sitting on top of the world with winning 2 titles in one year.

I did not let the success in 2006 define me. I set my 2007 goal to become the BPIR Bull Riding champion again. I was more excited this time since the finals were going to be held in Las Vegas. I had bright thoughts of the big city lights and me being crowd the Bull Riding champion. I was blessed to have accomplished my goal by competing against some of the best bull riders around. i was overwhelmed and excited and even more excited when I made the cover of the Cowboy Sports news.

In 2008, I start having some tough injuries to get through, so I didn’t travel much and stayed in Texas going to open deals here and there. After a 4 year hiatus, in 2012 I returned to the BPIR circuit winning bull riding champion in 2013. In 2014 I was up against a buddy of mine, Neil Holmes as we competed for the 2014 Championship. As good as I was, Neil was better and beat me to take home the 2014 BPIR Bull Riding Championship.

In Bull Riding, there are a lot of good times and then there are times not so good. I love the sport and continue to give it my all. The injuries come a little more frequently as I get older but I will never allow them to sideline me. Like I said earlier, Bull Riding is in my blood.

One of the best things that could happen to me is the birth of my daughter, (De’ja Kossie).

She if that one thing in life that always keep me grounded and when I am down, gives me renewed purpose. When she’s not busy with her sports, I always encourage her to run barrels at Jr. rodeos in Texas and on the BPIR trail.

We both hope to see you again soon

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS & DESIGNERS

Valeria Howard Cunningham President and Producer

Kenneth Johnson Chairman, Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jeff DouVal Oakland, CA Co-Coordinator

Margo Wade LaDrew Los Angeles CA Coordinator

Ronni Cunningham Atlanta GA Coordinator

Miss Kitty Memphis, TN Coordinator

Gregory Freeman Sr Co-Coordinator WDC & N. Virginia

Mansfield Montague Co-Coordinator Virginia

Carolyn Carter General Manager

Wefus Tyus Event Director

Deon Osborne Arena Director

Brian White Performance Director

Alfred Ousley Judges Coordinator

Harrel Williams Rodeo Judge

Stephanie Haynes Rodeo Secretary

Danielle Clark Ass’t Rodeo Secretary

John DeCluette Rodeo Timer

Yattiska Gatson Rodeo Timer

Acynthia Villery Social Media Director

Sam Howry Rodeo Announcer

Marcous Friday Rodeo Announcer

Michael Hancock Vice President Lu Vason Presents

Jody Gilbert Art Director Office Coordinator

Edward Miller,

Kent D. Lyons

Marvin Kelly

Haywood Galbreath

Bernard Grant

Dr. Vern L. Howard

Roy Dabney

Forest McMullin

Savion Baker

Ian Williams

Brandon Marshall

Al Saadiq

Sheri Vason Oakland, CA Co-Coordinator

CUSTOM DESIGNS BY Karimo - Bush Ltd. CLP Screen Printing & Embroidery

Paul Smith

ADDRESS 5829 S. Quintero Circle Centennial, CO 80015 Phone: 303.373.1246 Email: billpickett.rodeo@gmail.com www.BillPickettRodeo.com

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Valeria Howard-Cunningham Executive President & Producer Sheri Vason Vice President

Margo Wade LaDrew National Program Director

Michael Hancock VP Lu Vason Presents

Kenneth Johnson Chairman, Bill Pickett Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dennis Johnson Corporate Secretary Carol Thompson Comptroller