By Milton Kirby | Denver, CO | January 23, 2025

The spirit of the Wild West came alive at the Martin Luther King, Jr. African-American Rodeo of Champions, held on January 20, 2025, at Denver’s historic Coliseum. Organized by the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) in conjunction with the National Western Stock Show, the event celebrated the rich heritage of Black cowboys and cowgirls while showcasing their extraordinary talent in the rodeo arena.

The inaugural Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo started in 1984 in Denver, CO, was inspired by the vision of its creator, Lu Vason, who drew upon his experience at Wyoming’s renowned Cheyenne Frontier Days. Vason’s quest to honor the legacy of Black cowboys led him to the Black American West Museum of History in Denver, where he discovered the story of Bill Pickett, a legendary cowboy and rodeo innovator. Today, the BPIR stands as a testament to that legacy, drawing thousands of attendees annually.

More than 6,000 spectators packed the Historic Denver Coliseum this year to witness thrilling competitions and celebrate Black Western culture. Distinguished guests included U.S. Representative Jason Crow, Colorado State Senate President James Coleman, Senator Tony Exum, and Representative Dr. Vern Howard, Chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission.

The rodeo featured a lineup of electrifying events, with standout performances from top competitors:

• Ranch Bronc Riding: Marcus Verser (Spencer, OK) took first place with a 70-point ride.
• Steer Wrestling: Kevin Carmon (Beaumont, TX) secured victory with an impressive 3.66-second run.
• Team Roping: Ashton Semien (Beaumont, TX) and Isaac King (Natchez, MS) led the field with a 13.56-second time.
• Ladies Steer Undecorating: Niya Bryant (Huntsville, TX) dominated the event with a 2.01-second run.
• Tie-Down Roping: Richard Coleman (Wharton, TX) claimed the title with an 8.78-second performance.
• Ladies Breakaway Roping: Niya Bryant (Huntsville, TX) added another win with a 3.68-second run.
• Ladies Barrel Racing: Paris Wilburd (Cabot, AR) dazzled the audience with a 15.132-second time.
• Jr Barrel Racing: Josephine Gajewski (Billings, MT) earned first place with a time of 16.197 seconds.
• Pee Wee Barrels: Kendall Henderson (Beggs, OK) thrilled fans with a 17.091-second performance.
• Bull Riding: Anthony Smith Jr. (Houston, TX) delivered an electrifying 84-point ride.

In addition to the action-packed competition, the BPIR Foundation awarded scholarships, fee grants, and book stipends to six deserving students, supporting their academic and rodeo aspirations:

• Jordyn Love (Lu Vason Founder Scholarship): A sophomore at Fort Valley State University majoring in Animal Science with a 4.0 GPA in the honors program.
• Savannah Roberts (Lu Vason Founder Scholarship): A senior at Colorado Virtual Academy, set to study Animal Science and Agricultural Business at South Plains College.
• Haley Mason (Denver Regional Scholarship): An aspiring nursing student accepted at Chamberlain University and an active BPIR member.
• Asha Gidden (Book Scholarship): A graduating senior planning to pursue Environmental Engineering and Microbiology at an HBCU.
• Sedgwick Haynes Memorial Calf Roping Fee Grants: Awarded to Lindon Demery and Jermaine Walker, Jr.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. African-American Rodeo of Champions is more than just a celebration of rodeo skills—it’s a cultural cornerstone that honors the significant contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the history of the American West. This annual gathering continues to inspire new generations while fostering appreciation for the enduring traditions of the Black Western community.

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