Compton Cowboys facts for kids
The Compton Cowboys are a group of friends from Compton, California, a city near Los Angeles. They use horseback riding and horse culture to help young people in their community. They also work to change old ideas about Black people in the cowboy world.
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How the Compton Cowboys Started
These friends first met in the late 1990s. They joined the Compton Jr. Posse, a special group in Richland Farms. The Jr. Posse taught them all about horses and riding. Mayisha Akbar started the Jr. Posse in Compton. It has been a home for Black horseback riders since the 1980s.
Many of the Cowboys learned about the Jr. Posse from friends and family. They also saw horse riders in their neighborhoods and wanted to join. Horse riding became a great choice for them. It offered a positive way to spend their time.
A Day with the Cowboys and Their Competitions
The Compton Cowboys all work together to care for their horses. Their daily tasks include cleaning the stables. They also make sure the horses get fresh food. Riding and training the horses are important parts of their day.
The group also takes part in different events. One of their big goals is to join rodeo competitions. They want to show that Black cowboys belong in the rodeo world. The Cowboys perform in parades around the Los Angeles area. Some members are very good at events like bull riding. Others excel in English Hunter-Jumper.
How the Cowboys Get Support
The group gets help from many places. They rely on donations from supporters. Their local community also gives them support. Government grants help them too. These resources pay for the horses and their care. Taking care of horses can be very costly.
Horses used by the Cowboys can cost a lot. Some horses are worth $10,000 to $50,000. But sometimes, they buy horses from auctions for about $200. These horses have often been hurt or not cared for well.
The members have good riding gear. But you might see them riding without a saddle. They say riding bareback helps them connect with their horses. This unique style is now part of the Compton Cowboys' identity.
The Mission of the Compton Cowboys
The Compton Cowboys have a special saying: "the streets raised us, the horses saved us." They want to offer young people a different path. They act as good role models for kids in the city. This helps young people stay away from trouble.
As former members of a youth program, they work with the Compton Junior Equestrians. They guide and inspire young riders. They share their love for horses and riding.
The group also works to change old ideas about Black people. They do this through their presence in the media. They show that Black cowboys have always been a part of history. They also show that many Black people are cowboys today. They challenge wrong ideas about Black people in popular culture. The 2020 film Fire on the Hill shares the story of urban cowboys. It includes members of the Compton Cowboys.
Black Cowboys in History
The Cowboys want to show a different side of American history. The media often does not show Black cowboys. But after the American Civil War, many Black cowboys existed. There were about 5,000 to 8,000 Black cowboys. Cowboys are a big part of American history and culture.
The Compton Cowboys want to correct this idea. They show that Black cowboys were important. Some people believe that one in four cowboys in the 1800s was Black. By sharing this history, the Cowboys help everyone learn more about America's past.
See also
- Fletcher Street Urban Riding Club
- New York City Federation of Black Cowboys
- Oakland Black Cowboy Association
- African-American trail rides
