1000’s gathered at Black Heritage Day at Rodeo Houston, celebrating African American contributions to tradition.
HOUSTON — 1000’s gathered at NRG Stadium for Black Heritage Day at Rodeo Houston on Friday, honoring the contributions of African People to Western tradition. The occasion highlighted the tradition, historical past, and legacy of Black cowboys with festivities persevering with all through the day.
The vitality was nonstop on the Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo, celebrating the tradition, historical past and legacy of Black People. Attendees skilled a day stuffed with dancing and celebration.
Earlier than the live performance, the rodeo acknowledged former Houston mayor and U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Turner died all of the sudden Wednesday morning resulting from ongoing well being points. Jackson Lee died in July after battling most cancers. Each had been revered Black Houston public figures.
For a lot of members, Black Heritage Day represents greater than only a single day of recognition. The custom began within the Thirties.
“It was simply an concept that we wanted to be sure that we tapped into the African-American tradition,” mentioned Wendy Lewis Armstrong, Vice President of HLSR. Lewis Armstrong’s nice uncle was the founding father of the Black Heritage Committee in 1933.
“To be sure that the rodeo understood the historical past and the legacy and the the wonderful issues that the African-American group has finished and continues to do in Western tradition,” she mentioned. “So I feel it is twofold, one, to coach the rodeo of us who need to educate the group.”
The day additionally included choirs, steppers, cheerleaders, bands, and faculties to make it really feel like a giant get together. The marching bands from traditionally Black faculties Prairie View A&M College and Texas Southern College performed collectively for the primary time of their faculties’ historical past.
Cardell Bey traveled from Ohio only for this get together.
“Black folks obtained a giant affect on nation music, cowboys and every part, and it is good to see your self represented in that means,” Bey mentioned.
Rodeo officers anticipate giant crowds because the rodeo season continues. Those that missed Friday’s celebration nonetheless have alternatives to attend, with the primary weekend of rodeo season starting tomorrow. In response to officers, attendance is anticipated to extend considerably subsequent week when faculties go into spring break.
RodeoHouston continues to function a platform for showcasing numerous cultural contributions to Western heritage whereas offering leisure for guests all through its run.
Bun B’s Birthday Bonanza
Houston rapper Bun B was set to carry out on the rodeo Friday night time. Ludacris, Don Toliver, Yolanda Adams, Keith Sweat, Coco Jones and Jagged Edge had been anticipated to hitch the get together, and different shock visitors had been potential.
