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2024 Q2 Reflections and Celebrations
As we wrap up the second quarter of 2024, we are filled with excitement and pride as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR). Here’s a look back at our incredible journey over the past few months:
April - Memphis, TN
In April, we had a spectacular time in Memphis, TN. Our Rodeo For Kids Sake (RFKS) event on Friday morning was a grand success, with 4200 children experiencing an abbreviated rodeo. The event educated them about the contributions of Black individuals in the development of the West and showcased the presence of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
On Saturday, we held two sold-out performances at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Memphis showed their unwavering support, and the energy was palpable.
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VALERIA HOWARD-CUNNINGHAM
CEO & PRESIDENT
We were honored to have Memphis Mayor Paul Young present a Proclamation to BPIR. The BPIR Foundation also awarded Caitlyn Jackson a $1200 scholarship in recognition of her academic achievements as she prepares for college.
Memphis has always shown immense love for BPIR, thanks in large part to our coordinator, Barbara “Miss Kitty” Love.
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May - Fort Worth, TX
In May, we returned to Fort Worth’s Cowtown Coliseum during the PBR’s World Championship weekend. Thousands of rodeo and bull riding enthusiasts flooded the Fort Worth Stockyards, choosing from a plethora of activities, including the BPIR. We are grateful for our partnership with the PBR and the opportunity to introduce many to their first African American rodeo.
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We were joined at our rodeo by James Pickens Jr., renowned for his role as Dr. Richard Webber on "Grey's Anatomy," who has been a long-time supporter and Honorary Grand Marshal for BPIR. The crowd, including numerous international visitors, was thrilled by our performances and especially captivated by our peewee performers. | | |
June - Weatherford, TX
Our first BPIR Foundation Saddle Up With BPIRF retreat was held during the week of June 10 through June 15th and was a monumental success. The retreat offered 35 young adults a week-long experience in agriculture, personal development, and hands-on activities like fishing, equine therapy, horsemanship skills, and more. This retreat wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible team:
- Kenneth Johnson, Executive Director
- Ronnie Cunningham, Educational Director
- Corey Vason, Project Lead
- Greg Freeman, Washington DC Coordinator
- Wefus Tyus, General Manager
- Denise Tyus, Production Manager
- Stephanie Haynes, Rodeo Executive Assistant
- Krishaun Adair, Director
- Tiffany Guess, Music Director
- Kanesha Jackson, Timer and Co-host of BPIR Rodeo Talk
- Tony Aska, Pick Up Man
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Special thanks to our Group leaders: Myles Malone, Kenadee Goodman, Ronnie Jennings, Ajani Cunningham, Dusty Haywood, Marvin Bussey, Michael Bussey, Joey Allen, and JoAnn Allen.
The retreat concluded with a behind-the-scenes tour at Cowtown Coliseum before the first BPIR Performance.
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Juneteenth Celebrations – Fort Worth, TX
Our Juneteenth celebrations in Fort Worth were phenomenal. After numerous interviews, including one for the Today Show and Nightline, I mingled with our supporters, and both performances were exceptional. Howard Johnson delivered a powerful rendition of the Black National Anthem, and our long-time friends Glynn Turman and Reginald T. Dorsey joined us in the celebration. We were also honored by the presence of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson and Councilman Carlos Flores, who presented a Proclamation from the Fort Worth Mayor declaring Juneteenth the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Day.
The support and recognition from across the globe, including Pluto TV’s BPIR marathon and the Today Show airing on Juneteenth, were deeply moving, highlighting the significance of our history and the continued recognition of Black cowboys and cowgirls.
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It became a bit emotional for me to know that as we all celebrated Juneteenth this year, the BPIR would be spotlighted that day. I was emotional as I thought about how the slaves might have felt that day in 1865 when they found out they were actually free. I was excited to know that our Black cowboys and cowgirls, who have been overlooked and marginalized for so long were now being recognized in so many ways and our stories are now being told.
I also reflected on how Lu Vason, BPIR founder would feel if he was here with us. I think he would be proud because his purpose for creating the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo was to elevate the Black cowboys and cowgirls and let the world know they exist, and they are real.
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Looking Ahead
We are now preparing for our West Coast tour and as we are preparing for our 40th anniversary celebration in the Oakland and Los Angeles areas, we look forward to more incredible moments with our friends and supporters.
Our Black cowboys and cowgirls, who travel with us, are the unsung heroes of the rodeo, and their dedication makes BPIR a true family affair.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support and love make all the difference.
See you in California!
Valeria Howard-Cunningham
| BPIR THANKS OAKLAND & LOS ANGELES FOR THE SOLD OUT PERFORMANCES | |
Thank you Oakland and Los Angeles areas for selling out both performances for a 3rd year straight. We are excited to celebrate our 40th anniversary with you and your families. You have supported us throughout the years and we could have not made it without your love an support. | |
If you are lucky enough to have tickets to the rodeo, we encourage you to come early and to carpool. If you do not have a ticket, please do not come to the rodeo as there are no tickets available for sale at the gate. | |
LOS ANGELES AREA COME & JOIN US! | |
Los Angeles if you will miss out on seeing the rodeo this year you can still celebrate with us on Friday, July 19th at the Los Angeles Youth Agriculture & Conservation Festival from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. ADMISSION IS FREE. | |
Join us Friday evening from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm for a Stampede at the Autry Museum for the BPIR's 40th Anniversary Celebration. You don't want to miss this Western Party of the Year! | |
To order your BPIR Swag click here. | |
BeyGOOD
bee-good (verb) - to focus on economic equity by supporting organizations that serve marginalized and underserved communities with educational scholarships, internships that lead to job placement and entrepreneurship support for business sustainability.
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BeyGOOD & BPIR
BeyGOOD understands that the work we do today has been made possible only by those who came before us. We are proud to support Black Equestrian programs that amplify and uplift the beauty, strength, and storied contributions of Black cowboys and ranchers. The legacy of the Black Equestrian has always been part of our shared, rich American history, which is why we are partnering with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo to give out 10 grants to ranchers and rodeos in California, Georgia, South Carolina, Texas, and Oklahoma. Stay tuned for more information.
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Soul Country Music Partners with the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo to Launch Nationwide Talent Search for the Next Soul Country Music TM Star.
SOUL COUNTRY MUSIC STAR WINNER TO RECEIVE $10,000
The search for the next Soul Country Music™ Star began online on June 4, 2024, and is now open for entry access across four cities: Los Angeles, Atlanta, Dallas/Fort Worth, and DC/Maryland, providing diverse country music artists from these regions with opportunities to showcase their skills.
Contestants may enter by submitting a YouTube or Vimeo link of their audition for consideration at the www.soulcountrymusic.com website.
For Soul Country Music™ Star contest rules, partnership opportunities and additional information go to www.soulcountrymusic.com.
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BPIR REMINDING YOU TO VOTE! | |
YOUR VOTE COUNTS
We will need everyone to vote this year on November 5th if we want to maintain our democracy.
1. If you are not registered to vote, please register.
2. Check your voter registration to make sure it is still active. (Some states have removed names ).
3. Prepare now to Vote
We Need You!
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The BPIR would like to thank our Ft. Worth sponsor Black Voters Matters. They had their bus on site during the rodeo. For more information click on the link. | |
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The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Foundation (BPIRF) Regional scholarships were presented by the Foundation’s Board Chair, Ken Johnson.
A special thanks to our 2024 Scholarship Sponsor CoBank for their generous contribution to the Foundation’s scholarship fund.
Caitlyn Jackson the Foundation’s Memphis Region Scholarship was awarded $1,200. Caitlyn is a senior at Saint Joseph Catholic School in Greenville, MS with a 4.09 GPA. She will graduate in May 2024 and planning on attending Mississippi College pursuing a bachelor’s degree. In Caitlyn’s essay she writes: Because of my recent brain surgery, I have learned that I can overcome any obstacles. With a second chance, I take nothing for granted; for me the sky is the limit.
At the Ft. Worth June Texas Connection Series, Kenadee Fontenot was awarded the Foundation’s Regional Scholarship for $1,200. Kenadee recently graduated from Westbrook High School in Beaumont Texas in May 2024. She is planning on attending Prairie View in the fall majoring in Nursing. Kenadee has completed in the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo for three years.
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Please visit the Foundation’s website at www.bpirfoundation.org and their table to learn more about their Saddle Up with BPIRF programs and career opportunities within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conversation Services. | |
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VIDEO CREDIT: TWELVE PRODUCTIONS | |
June & July
Awareness Months
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MEN'S HEALTH MONTH
According to the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, here are 7 Important Tips for Men’s Health:
1. Have regular checkups – even if you feel okay.
2. Schedule an appointment with your doctor when something doesn’t feel right. At TFIA, we offer Healthiest You (a comprehensive Teladoc service) so that you can get diagnosed wherever you are and get recommendations to actually go see a doctor in person when it’s something more serious.
3. Know your family history – and share it with your doctor.
4. Get some exercise – start off with at least 30 minutes a day. Walking with someone could get you going. You just need to get the blood pumping.
5. Give yourself permission to take a break. Stress is a killer. Find relaxing activities to do, even if it’s vegging in front of the TV, or playing ball with the boys.
6. Ask your doctor about cancer screenings. Based on your age, family history, and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend that you undergo screening for colon cancer, prostate cancer, or lung cancer.
7. Stop smoking.
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NATIONAL MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH
July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face with mental illness.
In 2020, fewer than one in every two African American adults got care for mental health. In 2018, Asian Americans were 60 percent less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites. Obstacles for many include a lack of health insurance, less access to treatment, and stigma.
Mental illness can affect women of all races and ethnicities.
To read more information click on this link.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO UPSCALE MAGAZINE CELEBRATING 35 YEARS | |
BPIR CELEBRATES
The BPIR will be celebrating the 4th of July with our families. We are wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July for you and your families.
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