Black Rodeo in the Texas Gulf Coast Region: Charcoal in the Ashes

Charcoal in the Ashes is a book that explores the sociocultural and historical origins and state of African American rodeo cowboys in southeast Texas, who were instrumental in the development of the Texas cattle industry. Despite their contributions being trivialized and marginalized in American history, the book sheds light on these early cowboys and their descendants who have participated in America's most prominent prole sport with little to no media exposure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 142 pages
Publication date: 11 May 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Black Rodeo in the Texas Gulf Coast Region: Charcoal in the Ashes is a comprehensive sociocultural and historical exploration of the origins and current realities surrounding African American rodeo cowboys in southeast Texas. These cowboys, whose ancestors played a pivotal role in shaping the world-renowned livestock management industry, are deeply rooted in the region's history. The author meticulously traces the evolution of the Texas cattle industry, from its Mexican roots to Austin's Colony, also known as the George Plantation/Ranch, where African Americans have been actively involved in livestock management since its inception. Despite being enslaved before, during, and after the establishment of the Republic of Texas, these individuals were early pioneers in expanding the western frontier and served as a crucial labor force that fueled the growth of the cattle industry. Regrettably, as the author argues, American history has often trivialized, marginalized, and overlooked their significant contributions. This book sheds light on these early cowboys and their descendants, who have actively participated in America's most prominent prole sport with minimal media exposure. The author affectionately refers to them as the "Shadow Riders of the Subterranean Circuit," and even though American sports are integrated, African American rodeo cowboys can be metaphorically seen as scattered bits of charcoal amidst the ashes.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 228 x 164 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498574679