Bill Pickett Lived Up to Expectations, Most Exciting Rodeo of 2024

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the National Western Stock Show hosted the 2024 Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

The MLK. Jr African-American Heritage Rodeo of Champions in Denver, Co., celebrated the history and heritage of Black cowboys and cowgirls while honoring the legacy of Bill Pickett and the impact he made on Black Western Heritage. Rodeo contestants from the WCRA, IFR, PBR and BPIR were invited to compete at the 2024 event.

Founded by Lu Vason in 1984, the first Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo was held in Denver. After watching Cheyenne Frontier Days, Vason noted that no Black cowboys or cowgirls were competing that day. Vason wanted to showcase Black Western Heritage and wanted to replicate the type of event he saw in Cheyenne. Vason wanted to make an impact on rodeo, and after visiting The Black American West Museum of History in Denver, Vason learned about Bill Pickett and the impact he had on rodeo. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is named after Bill Pickett, who was the first Black rodeo athlete to be inducted into the Cowboy Hall of Fame and the man who invented “bulldogging,” better known today as steer wrestling.

“It is noteworthy that the very first Bill Pickett Rodeo was held right here in Denver 40 years ago, laying the foundation for the rich legacy we continue to celebrate today,” said Valeria Howard Cunningham, CEO/President and Promoter of the BPIR.

While celebrating the event’s 40th year, contestants from across the country came to compete at the historic event. From peewee competitors to seasoned athletes, they took to the Denver Coliseum to battle it out.

Temperatures might’ve been frigid outside, but things began to heat up when the athletes took to the arena. More than 150 contestants entered the arena with a goal in mind to win and pride in knowing they were celebrating Black culture on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at an event celebrating the legacy of a Black Western icon; the contestants took their shot at the prize money and an MLK Jr. belt buckle.

The event started on Monday morning with an initial round that left seven contenders to compete in the final performance on Monday night. 

Results

Ranch Bronc

Damon Hopkins, Oklahoma City, OK, 79 

Steer Wrestling

Denell Henderson, Twin Groves, AR, 3.8s

Breakaway

Haley Mason, Huntsville, TX, 2.51s

Ladies Steer Undecorating

Krishaun Adair, Pointblank, TX, 2.44s

Tie-Down Roping

Eddie Dever, Bellville, TX, 11.9s

Jr Breakaway

Jermaine Walker, Jr, Hempstead, TX, 2.89s

Barrel Racing

Kanesha Jackson, Hempstead, TX, 15.265s

Jr Barrel Racing 

Zoey Wilburd, Austin, AR, 16.886s

Peewee Barrel Racing

Kendall Henderson, Bristow, OK, 18.494s

Bull Riding

Travoris Zeno, Beaumont, TX, 76