Cowboys are often seen as symbols of freedom and independence or simply a character in a Western movie. But for generations of African-American men in Texas, being a cowboy was more than an image. It was a livelihood, a source of pride, and a legacy rooted in heritage and resilience.
That legacy will be on full display this weekend during the first-ever Corpus Christi Trail Ride. Organizers said the event will highlight the deep cultural and historical roots of Black cowboys, who helped shape Texas ranching life but were frequently left out of mainstream stories.
“My family, all of my family has had horses,” DeAndre Coleman, one of the event’s co-hosts, said. “My grandma had a mule, great-grandma had a mule. Everybody has rode horses in my family.”
Corpus Christi to host first-ever trail ride, deeply rooted in Black heritage
Coleman added the trail ride is a way to honor his ancestors and reclaim the cowboy narrative. He, along with fellow co-hosts Kevin Palmer and Jaron Jackson, said the event is as much about education and celebration as it is about fun…