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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

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Cowboys and Cowgirls Compete in Country's Only Touring Black Rodeo Competition

The Bill Pickett Rodeo, founded by Lu Vason in 1984, celebrates the history and contributions African-Americans have made to the rodeo.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Lindon Demery carries the flag into the arena at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Memphis, Tennessee on March 31, 2017. 

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Charles Barrett competes in the bulldogging event. Bill Pickett, a black cowboy born in 1870 in Texas, created the rodeo move which is also known as steer wrestling.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Anthony Monts repairs a spur on his son's boot.

 

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Competitors listen to the national anthem before the start of competition.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis on April 1, 2017

Jason Griffin rides in the bronc competition.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis on March 31, 2017

Linda Knight participates in the steer undecorating competition.

 

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Anissa Platt, 18, from Plant City, Florida visits with her horse after competing in the barrel racing event.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Jamil Hunt shares a saddle with his son Jamil Hunt Jr.,6, as they prepare to ride into the arena for the start of competition.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Bull rider Anthony Monts Jr. stretches before his ride.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

A cowgirl participates in the barrel race competition.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Tory Johnson participates in the bull dogging competition.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Harrel Williams Jr. competes in the junior barrel racing event.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

The rodeo's logo is engraved in a competitor's saddle.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Competitors warm up at the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Participants leave the arena following a day of competition.

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Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Steve Green competes in the calf roping event.

 

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Cowboys hand off the baton in the relay race competition.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
Image: Black Cowboys Compete At The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo In Memphis

Harold Williams Jr., 4, watches the arena before the start of competition.

CORRECTION (June 5, 3:02 p.m.): An earlier version of the headline on this article incorrectly described the Bill Pickett Rodeo. It is the country's only touring black rodeo competition, not the country's only black rodeo.

— Scott Olson / Getty Images
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