Black Rodeo brings action to Columbus

Todd Morris says people coming to the Columbus Civic Center on Saturday should be ready for an “action-packed day.”

The Southeastern Rodeo Association is bringing the Columbus Open Black Rodeo to town.

“It is really awesome,” said Morris, communications coordinator for the Columbus Open Black Rodeo. “The mission of the Southeastern Rodeo Association is to provide high-quality family entertainment and that is what those attending will get.”

Men and women will compete for cash prizes in events such as bareback bronc riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and barrel racing.

There will be plenty of music, including the traditional country western style that is normally associated with a rodeo as well as some R&B and hip hop.

“Something for everyone,” Morris said.

He added that children and adults alike will get a kick out of the rodeo clowns.

“You can expect to be up and out of your seat a lot,” he said.

While it is a black rodeo, there will be competitors of all races.

“We are paying homage to the black cowboy who helped nurture the sport of rodeo,” Morris said. “We try to showcase their lifestyle.”

According to its literature, the Southeastern Rodeo Association is committed to keeping the cowboy way of life and upholding the important contributions that black cowboys played in helping tame the old west.

While not all will compete, Morris said as many as 200-300 cowboys may participate in the show including the grand entrance.

Morris said rodeos are not as common as they once were in the U.S., but it is a “growing sport.”

“We hope this show inspires people to get involved in riding and rodeo,” Morris said.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 3:43 PM with the headline "Black Rodeo brings action to Columbus."