MLK Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo returns to the Denver Coliseum

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A cowgirl participates in steer undecorating at the MLK Jr. Heritage Rodeo of Champions. Photo: Peter V, Rocky Mountain PBS
DENVER — Subzero temperatures didn’t deter thousands of people Monday night from gathering at the Denver Coliseum to attend the Martin Luther King Jr. African American Heritage Rodeo of Champions.

The event, presented by the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo, honors the history and heritage of America’s Black cowboy by recognizing Bill Pickett’s legacy and influence on Black Western Heritage. In 1972, Pickett became the first African American cowboy inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.

Monday’s event also celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 
Howard Johnson performs “Lift Every Voice” at the start of the rodeo.
Howard Johnson performs “Lift Every Voice” at the start of the rodeo.
Horses and flags were decorated in neon lights. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
Horses and flags were decorated in neon lights. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
“Performing today is very important, especially on MLK Day,” said Paris Wilburd. “Everything was so great about him and as African Americans, this day is huge for us.” 

Wilburd, 15, has been competing in the rodeo for eight years. She competes in barrel racing and steer undecorating. 

Wilburd placed first Monday in barrel racing with a time under 16 seconds. 
Paris Wilburd placed first in the women’s barrel racing event. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
Paris Wilburd placed first in the women’s barrel racing event. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
A cowboy grooms out his horse before entering the arena.
A cowboy grooms out his horse before entering the arena.
A cowboy point up to the sky after bronc riding.
A cowboy point up to the sky after bronc riding.
Other cowboys competed in bull riding. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
Other cowboys competed in bull riding. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
Steer-wrestling was invented by William “Bill” Picket. The event is a staple at rodeos today. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
Steer-wrestling was invented by William “Bill” Picket. The event is a staple at rodeos today. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
“It’s a lot of hard work, and you have to have a lot of passion for what you do in the rodeo to be good at it,” said Wilburd. 

Wilburd competes for the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.  The traveling rodeo has a mission to “highlight the irrefutable global appeal of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls in the West and the stories behind a sub-culture that is still strong today,” according to its website. Last year, the rodeo celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The rodeo travels throughout the United States, kicking off its 2025 season in Denver.
A cowboy preps his lasso before entering the arena. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
A cowboy preps his lasso before entering the arena. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
People in the stadium watch as a cowboy bull rides. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
People in the stadium watch as a cowboy bull rides. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
The rodeo started at 6 p.m., opening with neon-lit horses and American flags. Throughout the night, men, women and children participated in rodeo events, from mutton bustin’, to bull riding. 

Five generations of cowboys and cowgirls competed, some competing against their family members.
A cowboy removes his headgear after bull riding.
A cowboy removes his headgear after bull riding.
The audience in the coliseum watches the team roping event. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
The audience in the coliseum watches the team roping event. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
A girl rides out of the arena after completing the barrel racing event.
A girl rides out of the arena after completing the barrel racing event.
A little girl watches the rodeo from the stands. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
A little girl watches the rodeo from the stands. Photos: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
“The representation of our people is always nice to see,” said Wellee Linga, who attended the event. “Even if you’re not into the Western scene like that, you can still show up and have a good time.”

2025 marked the rodeo’s 19th Martin Luther King Jr. Day appearance at the Denver Coliseum.
A girl rides her horse around the barrel in the barrel racing event. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
A girl rides her horse around the barrel in the barrel racing event. Photo: Peter Vo, Rocky Mountain PBS
Type of story: News
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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