In the Footsteps of Bill Pickett
It was in 2012, quite by chance, that I discovered the African American cowboys and cowgirls and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo in Atlanta. I have been returning to the rodeo for several years now. My photos focus more on the atmosphere and the preparation than on the competition itself, allowing me to take intimate portraits of these cowgirls and cowboys, documenting moments of connection with the animal, or waiting before the competition.
In the 19th century more than a quarter of cowboys were of African descent. Bill Pickett, legendary cowboy from Taylor, Texas, a descendant of Africans and Cherokee Indians was born in 1870, five years after the American Civil War. Pickett invented the “Bulldogging” technique, which earned him the nickname: “The Bull-Dogger.” He performed in the biggest rodeo shows in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and even in England. He became the first black cowboy movie actor and was admitted to the National Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1971.
Each year, since its creation in 1984 by Lu Vason, The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has crossed the United States to celebrate the legacy of African American cowgirls and cowboys, whose existence was often erased in history books and by Hollywood in movies.
I have been fascinated by cultural diversity since beginning as a photographer with UNESCO. As Saint-Exupéry wrote, “If you differ from me, my brother, far from injuring me, you enrich me.”
All images in the series "In the Footsteps of Bill Pickett" are available for sale as a signed and numbered fine-art print. Please contact me for pricing and availability.

Steve and Son - BPIR Atlanta GA 2019

Surlaw, Barrel Racer - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

In the Footsteps of Bill Pickett - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Michelle and Her Horse, Corona - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Christopher with his Horses and Pick-Up - BPIR Atlanta GA 2018

Kelvi, Sunset - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Boot Detail - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

John Wayne, Who? - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Tony - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Jarade -Tattoo and Cigarillo, BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Backstage at the Rodeo - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

MSU's Rodeo Queen, Chaps Detail - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Rodeo and Levi's - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Dave in the Bucking Chutes - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Custom Lasso / Lariat Case - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Young Cowboy in a Blue Shirt - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Mazi - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Throwing a Lasso - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Lasso and Saddle Detail - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Markio's Horse - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Three Generations of Cowgirls: Adrienne, Erica, & Ronni - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

The Next Generation - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Cowb oy Buckle - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Harold - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Rodeo Queen, Khalilah Smith - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Representing the Pan African Flag - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Young Cowgirl - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

The Bulldogger - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Backstage at the Rodeo 2 - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Cowboy with His Horse and Lasso - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2019

Cowgirl Couture - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Midnight Cowboy - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Harold, Bareback Champion - BPIR, Atlanta, GA 2018

Erica and the African American Flag - BPIR Atlanta, GA 2018

Exhibition at the Mairie du Premier Arr. de Paris - February 2020

Exhibition at the International Horse Pole Longines-Deauville - September October 2020