A Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo parade entry is under fire after a non-Native rider appeared in what critics say was fake Indigenous regalia and makeup that appeared to darken his skin. Cheyenne Goss, an ambassador with American Indian Heritage Day in Texas, called the portrayal “scary” and said it undermined the work of legitimately represented Native groups that showed up to be seen, not caricatured.
According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, an image of the rider circulated on Instagram showing him in what observers described as Native-style clothing and face paint that made his complexion appear darker. Goss told the paper she believed the man was not Native and might be connected to a Mexican charro group, while Stock Show spokesman Matt Brockman said the rider was an outside entrant who was not affiliated with the Stock Show or its organizers.
The parade committee said in a statement to the Star-Telegram that it worked to ensure about 1,300 parade riders participated safely and that all rules were followed, the outlet reported. The paper also noted that parade guidelines give management the authority to deny participation or remove entries they consider unsuitable or objectionable, and that organizers are reviewing the complaint under those rules.
Parade context and participation
The All-Western Parade, which kicked off the Stock Show on Jan. 17, snakes through downtown Fort Worth with a familiar mix of riding clubs, marching bands, charros, and escaramuzas. The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo event page bills the parade as this year’s opening pageant, and local coverage has long highlighted Mexican charro teams as part of the Western lineup, as noted by The Texas Insider…