The African American Experience 

Fifth Annual Black World Championship Rodeo, Cowboy Lassoes Calf

Courtesy of New York City Parks Photo Archive, Neg. 60277-94. Although the first Black Rodeo in the United States is said to have been held in the 1920s, the first such event in New York City Parks did not take place until 1984. The local rodeo has been sponsored by the Federation of Black Cowboys, an organization that formalized in 1994, and is dedicated to perpetuating a culture of western horsemanship born in the frontier days of America. The Federation has a mission to educate the public, and in particular children, in a little known history, as well as to transmit a message of proper care and handling of horses. The Federation maintains its headquarters at the Cedar Lane Stables in Howard Beach, Queens.