Southern Soul Rodeo — Christine Tannous

Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo brings Black cowboys to Mississippi

In Tunica, Mississippi, the inaugural Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo showcased everything from barrel racing to calf roping on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Hosted by organization Ruthless Ryderz, the rodeo created a space for Black cowboys and cowgirls to participate and paid homage to the history of the Black rodeo.

"Down this way...there's not as many Black cowboys as back in Oklahoma and Texas, and so we're here with this all Black rodeo just trying to educate and let 'em know that there are Black cowboys and cowgirls," said Marcous Friday, the second Black announcer in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Cynthia Fultz waves at passing participants during the opening to the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing, mutton busting and calf roping.

Juicy Gatewood participates in barrel racing during the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing, mutton busting and calf roping.

A rodeo clown interacts with the crowd during the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing, mutton busting and calf roping.

A calf is roped during the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing and mutton busting.

Attendees pray before the start of the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing, mutton busting and calf roping.

A calf is tied during calf roping at the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing, mutton busting and calf roping.

Participants high five each other after finishing their turns in junior barrel racing during the Southern Soul Black Invitational Rodeo on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the Tunica Arena and Expo Center in Tunica, Miss. Black cowboys and girls participated in the event, which featured events such as barrel racing, mutton busting and calf roping.