Like many things in the United States of America, what you’re led to believe is more than likely not the actual case. One huge example is the Black cowboy in the rise of the American West. If you spent time watching Westerns on television and in film, you’ll notice that the wave of cowboys taking command of the frontier are pretty much mostly white. But those depictions were flying in the face of the origins of the American cowboy, and fueling stereotypes that Black people were not a formative part of those frontier days. 

 

Thankfully, Black communities where cowboys, cowgirls, and rodeo riders are kings and queens have always existed. From California’s Compton Cowboys to Texas and even in New York City with The Federation of Black Cowboys, representation has always been real and building on the history that’s been neglected. Bill Pickett. Nat Love. Hell, Herb Jeffries and his movie “Harlem Rides The Range”. Now, a recently released book looks to build more of that already-established foundation up.

 

Eight Seconds: Black Rodeo Culture is the first photobook by Ivan McClellan, whose work has been featured in numerous outlets such as National Public Radio, The New York Times, ESPN’s Andscape and Hyperallergic. In reading through a preview copy, your eyes are treated to the reverent and loving way McClellan has captured these riders and participants inBlack rodeo culture. Every face you see shines, every look given towards the camera simmers. The laughter and joy in different, glistening shades of Black and Brown. 

 

I’ve read through Eight Seconds at least three times and each time, there’s different photos which have me riveted for what seems like an hour. But that’s the gift that McClellan and his camera have - to place you in the same space these riders and enthusiasts are, without feeling as if you’re intruding but making you feel as if you’re there and connected as they are.The pride and assuredness on each rider’s face compels you to look at each photo with your own swelling pride. This here, is what a frontier of freedom looks like.

 

Adding to the energy of the book, there is also a rodeo event bearing the same name created to honor the Black rodeo riders of today and the present while inspiring future riders, which McClellan is involved with. The rodeo will be held in Portland, Oregon in June as well as in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in November. 

 

Eight Seconds Rodeo is available for purchase on the website, along with tickets to the rodeo events.