Did you know? Before the Civil War, one in four cowboys was Black, a fact that highlights their integral role in shaping the American West.
In this captivating episode of “The Hidden History of Black Cowboys,” we journey into the American West to uncover a piece of history that’s often overlooked and that Hollywood tells us is white. With our special guest, Zaron Burnett, a renowned writer, journalist, and the host of the acclaimed podcast “BLACK COWBOYS,” you’ll learn:
- The True American Cowboy: Discover the fascinating truth that before the Civil War, one in four cowboys was Black, reshaping our understanding of this iconic figure.
- Unveiling Hollywood Myths: Explore how Hollywood’s portrayal of cowboys has perpetuated myths and stereotypes, and how this episode challenges those narratives.
- Invaluable Contributions: Learn about the often-unsung contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls to the cattle industry, trailblazing horsemanship, and the cowboy way of life, proving them to be true American heroes.
- Zaron Burnett’s Insights: Gain valuable insights from our guest, Zaron Burnett, as he shares his deep knowledge of the Black West and its hidden history.
- Intersections of Race and History: Explore the intersections of race, class, politics, and underlying power dynamics within the context of the cowboy narrative.
Grab your headphones and join us as we ride through history with Zaron Burnett and unveil the remarkable legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls in the American West, celebrating them as true American heroes.
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Keep in touch:
- Visit our website. Follow the podcast on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook and watch episodes on Youtube and feel free to donate.
- To learn more about the podcast host Toya, visit ToyaFromHarlem.com. Connect with Toya on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
- To learn more about today’s podcast guest Zaron Burnett III. Connect with Zaron by listening to his Black Cowboys podcast, Instagram, his true crime podcast, Twitter (X),
Sources:
- https://www.newyorker.com/culture/photo-booth/black-cowboys-busting-one-of-americas-defining-myths
- https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/concepts-african-american-history/black-cowboys-in-the-19th-century-west-1850-1900/
- https://www.shondaland.com/live/travel-food/a39455814/exploring-the-hidden-history-of-black-cowboys-and-cowgirls/
- https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2020/feb/21/one-in-four-cowboys-were-black-the-yee-haw-agendas-founder-on-the-politics-of-cowboy-style
- https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2022/03/black-cowboys-at-home-on-the-range/
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/lesser-known-history-african-american-cowboys-180962144/
- https://www.rancholoscerritos.org/black-on-the-range-african-american-cowboys-of-the-19th-century/#:~:text=Did%20you%20know%20that%201,nature%20of%20the%20Western%20Frontier.
- https://gen.medium.com/unpacking-the-complicated-history-of-the-black-cowboy-4689087a5d0c
- https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/lesser-known-history-african-american-cowboys-180962144