Myrtis Dightman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Myrtis Dightman
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| Born | May 7, 1935 Houston County, Texas, United States
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| Other names | "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo" |
| Occupation | Bull rider |
| Known for | Rodeo |
| Spouse(s) | Fannie Mae (div.) |
| Parent(s) | Odie Dightman and Ada Lee Polk |
Myrtis Dightman is a famous American cowboy who became a professional bull rider. He is known as the "Jackie Robinson of Rodeo." This nickname came about because he was the first African-American to compete in the National Finals Rodeo. This is a very important event in the world of rodeo. Myrtis Dightman is also a member of the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, which is a big honor for rodeo athletes.
Early Life and Beginnings
Myrtis Dightman was born on May 7, 1935. He grew up on a large ranch in Houston County, Texas, near a town called Crockett, Texas. His father worked on this 4,000-acre ranch. Myrtis Dightman started his career in rodeo in Houston, Texas.
A Trailblazing Rodeo Career
In 1964, Myrtis Dightman made history. He became the first black cowboy to compete at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). This was a huge step forward for diversity in rodeo. He qualified for the NFR many times. These years included 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1972.
His best year was 1967. He finished third in the world standings for the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA). In 1971, he won a major event called Cheyenne Frontier Days.
Myrtis Dightman also worked in movies! He was hired to do stunts and play himself. He appeared in two rodeo films: Junior Bonner (1971) and J.W. Coop (1972). He was a big influence on other bull riders, like Charlie Sampson.
In October 2006, a special concert was held to raise money for a bronze statue in his honor. The statue was placed at the entrance of the Porth Ag Arena in Crockett, Texas. This rodeo arena hosts the annual Labor Day Rodeo, which is named after him.
Awards and Honors
Myrtis Dightman has received many important awards and honors for his contributions to rodeo.
- 1970 Calgary Stampede Guy Weadick Award
- 1997 Rodeo Hall of Fame of the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- 2001 Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame
- 2003 National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum
- 2003 PBR Ring of Honor
- 2011 Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame
- 2016 Bull Riding Hall of Fame
- 2016 ProRodeo Hall of Fame
