Black Cowboys of the Old West Celebrated This February

The contributions of Black cowboys in the Old West will be highlighted on February 28, 2024, at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum in California. During a special event titled “The Real Truth About the Black Cowboy,” attendees will hear from Albert Harris, a seasoned cowboy and community figure, who will share his insights into the historical significance and legacy of Black cowboys in America.

This event is part of the celebrations for Black History Month, emphasizing the often-overlooked role of Black individuals in shaping the American West. According to community activist Askari Sowonde, “The story of the Black cowboy is American history. This program is about truth-telling, honoring legacy and reclaiming stories that deserve to be known, respected and passed forward.”

Many Americans may associate the Old West with iconic figures like the Lone Ranger and Wild Bill Hickok, who were predominantly portrayed as white. However, historical records indicate that approximately one in four cowboys was Black. Many of these cowboys were former slaves seeking freedom from the harsh realities of Reconstruction and the Jim Crow laws. Notable voices, such as author C.T. Kirk, emphasize these contributions in his 2020 book, “How the West Was White-Washed.”

Harris, who grew up in North Richmond during the 1950s, developed a fascination with cowboys at a young age. He recalled, “I grew up watching the westerns on television. A little white kid in my neighborhood had a pony and he used to sell rides. I had a bicycle. I wanted to ride his pony as bad as he wanted to ride my bike, so we traded off.” Throughout his career, Harris has been involved in various ranching and firefighting roles, serving as a firefighter in Richmond for over 30 years while nurturing his passion for horsemanship.

His journey led him to train horses under the guidance of renowned California trainer Jack Adams. In the late 1990s, Harris’s expertise culminated in a lead role in the independent film *Cutting Horse*, directed by Larry Clark. The film showcases the stories of African American and Mexican American horse trainers, further illuminating the rich history of Black cowboys.

The upcoming event at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum will feature not only Harris but also Donald Jordan, an officer of the Vallejo branch of the NAACP, who will serve as emcee. Harris will delve into the history of Black cowboys dating back to 1519. The event will also include performances by young poet and storyteller Nora Sanna, as well as music from Julie Bland Latin Jazz, saxophonist Ric Alexander, and Klassicman—a tribute to Marvin Gaye.

This engaging event runs from 18:00 to 20:30 at the museum located at 734 Marin St.. Admission is priced at $10, making it accessible for those interested in learning about this vital aspect of American history.