The thundering hooves and dusty arenas of rodeo culture are getting a powerful transformation, thanks to a new generation of Black cowboys and cowgirls from the Bay Area.

Vavalencia Brooks, a 36-year-old rodeo competitor from Manteca, remembers the moment her passion for horseback riding began - at age six, watching the Bill Pickett Rodeo in Oakland. Now, she’s a five-time rodeo finalist who challenges stereotypes every time she rides.

“I can’t tell you how many people are shocked that I ride horses because I’m Black,” Brooks says. “I think it’s easy to believe that this is just something white folks do”.

The Bill Pickett Rodeo, now in its 41st year, has been instrumental in showcasing Black American country culture across the United States. Named after Bill Pickett - the first Black rodeo performer inducted into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame - the event continues to spotlight overlooked stories of Black cowboys and cowgirls.

Brooks and her brother Brandyn Hartfield, who owns 20 head of cattle in Livermore, represent a growing movement of Black ranchers and rodeo athletes challenging traditional narratives. Hartfield, who works on a cattle ranch in Milpitas, sees his role as more than just a profession. “It’s definitely nice to feel like I’m a part of making a difference and being a role model for other kids,” he explains.

The resurgence isn’t just about individual achievements. Local groups like the Oakland Black Cowboy Association are educating communities and increasing visibility. Moments like Brianna Noble bringing her horse to a Black Lives Matter protest in 2020 have further amplified this cultural renaissance.

As Valeria Howard-Cunningham, CEO of the Bill Pickett Rodeo, puts it: “We continue to tell the stories that have been left out of the history books and movie theaters of Black cowboys and cowgirls”.

This weekend’s rodeo in Castro Valley isn’t just a competition - it’s a celebration of heritage, resilience, and reclaiming spaces historically denied to Black Americans.