Pictured: The Omega’s were on site. Brothers Ricky (right) and DL with visiting Brothers from California
By DL White
The 13th Invitational Arizona Black Rodeo unfolded with a spectacular display of pageantry, showcasing the nation’s finest Cowboy, Cowgirl, and Cow-kid Rodeo skills. From bronco busting to barrel racing and bull riding, the event was packed with jaw-dropping moments that had the capacity crowd on its feet.
Held at WestWorld, nestled in Scottsdale’s northeast valley at 16601 N. Pima Road, the two-day, three-show event captured the heart of the valley, was the place to be. The festivities kicked off with a pre-welcome event at the American Legion on Thursday night, while the Lush Lounge kept the weekend rolling with more entertainment for Rodeo-goers.
On Sunday, September 1, a comedy show filled with side-splitting jokes took place at the Phoenix Shrine Auditorium, 552 N. 40th Street, capping off a weekend of unadulterated fun.
Rated among the top 10 rodeos in the nation, the Arizona Black Rodeo lived up to its reputation, drawing rodeo lovers from across the West Coast and Midwest. Three shows, three sold-out audiences, and even a special kids’ show made it an event to remember.
The excitement kicked off on Friday evening, August 30, with a performance that could only be described as “off the chain!”
“This was my first Black Rodeo, and it will definitely not be my last. It was great!” shared an excited Nyesha Brown, a recent transplant to the valley from the Pacific Northwest. Brown added, “Next year, I’m coming fully outfitted. This year I had the boots, hat, and jeans, but next year I’ve got my eye on an outfit that’s coming with me.”
Brown was one of many in the capacity crowd who donned authentic Western attire, eager to fully immerse themselves in the rodeo experience.
“There’s a great deal of work that goes into putting on an event of this magnitude, and we’re grateful to be here in support,” said Donovan Bell, who attended with Bill Pearson from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity – Phi Iota Chapter. The fraternity was back for its second consecutive year to support the event.
“Another great show, and the audience was fully engaged and having a good time,” noted Terry Williams, Basileas of Omega Psi Phi’s newest graduate chapter in Phoenix’s far west valley. Williams added, “It was well worth the drive. I’m all in, and I look forward to next year and many years to come.”
“We are extremely thankful and grateful to everyone who attended this year’s Rodeo,” began event director Lanette Campbell. “To our sponsors, a big thank you! To our Rodeo participants, thank you for once again putting on an amazing display of talent, horsemanship, and sheer skill.
“The audience comes to see you all, and we are so grateful for your willingness to travel to Arizona. We also want to thank our vendors and volunteers, including the Buffalo Soldiers and all our local supporters—you are incredible, and we couldn’t do this without you.”
Campbell shared that the next Black Rodeo will be held in the vibrant city of Las Vegas from October 11-12. “We’ll take a few weeks off before doing this again, but it’s all heartfelt work, and I enjoy every minute of it. No doubt about it!”
DL White, M.A., M.Ed, is a community servant/leader in the areas of education, journalistic research, community engagement, and youth and family advocacy. He is the author of Discovering The SAUNK In U, and the Sensational Letter S! He is based out of Phoenix, Arizona.