Oklahoma News

Diverse ‘Cowboys Of Color’ Rodeo Returns To Oklahoma State Fair Park

KGOU

Published May 11, 2018 at 6:46 PM CDT

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The Cowboys of Color Rodeo drew thousands of attendees to the Oklahoma State Fair Park on May 5.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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The rodeo, which makes stops in Tulsa, Okla.; Dallas, Texas and other cities, is a showcase and competition for riders from racially diverse backgrounds.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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A rider throws up his hands to show he is finished during the timed calf roping competition.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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A rider walks back to his horse after he finishes roping a calf.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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Girls lean over the stands at the Jim Norick Area at the Oklahoma State Fair Park.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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A girl carries a Mexican flag around the Jim Norick Arena. The riders at the Cowboys of Color Rodeo were predominantly African-American, but Latino and Native American riders were featured as well.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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Many attendees of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo wore cowboy boots.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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Spectators at the Cowboys of Color Rodeo watch the action before taking their seats in the stands.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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Rodeo clowns distract a bull after a rider falls off. Riders must stay on the bull for eight seconds in order to receive a score.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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A rodeo clown watches as a rider tries to dodge a bull.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

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A woman tries on a cowboy hat at the Cowboys of Color Rodeo.

Nomin Ujiyediin / KGOU

A crowd of thousands filled the Jim Norick Arena at the Oklahoma State Fair Park on Saturday for the Cowboys of Color Rodeo.

Founded by Cleo Hearns, the rodeo has also been held in Tulsa, Okla.; Fort Worth, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and other cities. It comes to Oklahoma City once a year. Competitive events include calf roping, bull riding and relay races.

Hearns, a veteran cowboy and rodeo promoter born in Seminole, Okla., created the rodeo to provide more opportunities to African-Americans and other groups not often seen on the rodeo circuit.

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