This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed.
AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 2h ago
National Black Rodeo USA tour makes first stop in Fort Smith
Fort Smith will host its first Black Rodeo USA event later this month as the Fort Smith Invitational Black Rodeo brings competitors from across the region to Kay Rodgers Park .
The one-night event is scheduled Saturday, Aug. 22, at Harper Stadium inside Kay Rodgers Park . Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
The Fort Smith stop is a new addition to Black Rodeo USA's 2026 national tour, providing another venue for Black cowboys and cowgirls to compete while highlighting the historical contributions of African Americans to rodeo and the American West.
"We are excited to debut a new city as part of our 2026 season," Black Rodeo USA President and CEO Lanette Campbell said. "We recognize the close proximity to Oklahoma offers another opportunity for competitors of the region to display their skills."
The Fort Smith event follows the Roy LeBlanc Invitational Rodeo, a longtime Black rodeo in Louisiana celebrating its 71st year and partnering with Black Rodeo USA this season.
Black Rodeo USA officials said the organization was created to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls, whose contributions to the sport often have been overlooked. This year's theme, "Reclaiming the Ride, Reimagining the Legacy," emphasizes that mission.
"Our current climate seems to diminish the rich roles that African and Black Americans had in the West and beyond," Black Rodeo USA General Manager Jesse Guillory said. "This is an opportunity to educate rodeo fans about a unique cultural heritage as well as to inspire a young generation to develop a desire and appreciation for the sport."
The rodeo will feature traditional events including steer wrestling, ranch bronc riding, calf roping, ladies steer undecorating, ladies barrel racing, junior barrel racing and bull riding.
The We All Can Go riders will perform a Pony Express exhibition, and children will have opportunities to participate in activities on the arena floor during the event.
Organizers also will crown the second Miss Black Rodeo USA during the evening. The reigning titleholder, Mariah Beckom, said the pageant recognizes women who promote leadership, community service and the heritage of Black rodeo.
Leading up to the rodeo, competitors and participants will appear at an autograph session at Boot Barn at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 22, followed by a meet-and-greet reception at Kay Rodgers Park beginning at 1 p.m.
Tickets and additional information are available through Black Rodeo USA.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: National Black Rodeo USA tour makes first stop in Fort Smith
National Black Rodeo USAFort SmithBlack Rodeo USAAugKay Rodgers ParkFort Smith Invitational Black RodeoHarper StadiumGatesThe Fort SmithBlackAfrican AmericansAmerican West
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
