Charlie Sampson competes in the rodeo of the national finals in Oklahoma City in December 1982.
(Denver Post / Getty Images)
Bull walks, rope tricks and a crowd as focused on history as emotion: the inaugural Rodeo Charlie Sampson It is scheduled for June 28 in Norco, California, and is already emerging as a high octane event, as well as a tribute to the black cowboys that helped shape US history.
Born and raised in watts, Sampson He made history in 1982 as the first black man to win a world championship in Professional Rodeo. Now with 67 years, he is launching this rodeo in honor of the cowboys with whom he mounted, many of which, “have died but have left their mark here in the Los Angeles area.”
“I'm doing this for my fallen friends,” says Sampson. “They were part of this community, this culture. They deserve to be remembered.”
The event of the whole day will feature classic rodeo competitions that include Bull riding, Barry Roping and Barrel Racing along with the community program that celebrates the Western Black heritage. Wait for food vendors, family activities and special taxes to the cowboys who came before. Sampson has also invited a list of riders that reflect the next generation of talents from Rodeo Negro.
Even now, Sampson brings cowboy fire to everything he does. “If I did not get a good score, I would return, I would see the video and go directly to the judges: 'Tell me where I was wrong,” he recalls. “I made it difficult for them to ignore.” Trust us – You Not power Ignore Charlie Sampson. If this detour is like your spirit, an unforgettable trip awaits you.
Tickets are now on sale through Eventbrite: $ 39.19 for general admission, $ 23 for children 12 years or less and $ 81.88 for VIP access.
