For Anthony Harris, walking to the corner store often comes with the risk of being searched by the police. But when he shows up on his horse Koda, something entirely different happens. http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/ZpEn31tvzl
You can add location information to your Tweets, such as your city or precise location, from the web and via third-party applications. You always have the option to delete your Tweet location history. Learn more
For Anthony Harris, walking to the corner store often comes with the risk of being searched by the police. But when he shows up on his horse Koda, something entirely different happens. http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/ZpEn31tvzl
“They don’t pull us over or search us when we’re on the horses. They would have thought we were gangbangers and had guns or dope on us if we weren’t riding, but these horses protect us from all of that.” http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/XwW5IQ6MUl
Most of the Compton Cowboys were encouraged to join the organization by those who believed horse riding would offer an alternative to gangs and violence. “We’ve always wanted to give people a different side of Compton besides gangster rap and basketball.” http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/K7rQEGLa40
“We’re different than most cowboys because we wear Air Jordan’s, Gucci belts and baseball hats.” On top of helping to eradicate some of the negative stigmas of Compton, the group’s mission is to break stereotypes and break into the white rodeo circuit. http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/mWmfxIuwif
Maintaining the horses at a Compton farm requires consistent maintenance. But Anthony Harris doesn’t mind. “I was always around shootings and gangs, but none of that happens when I’m in the stables with the horses. There’s peace with the animals." http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/OeegcepMhK
A rodeo horse can cost up to $50,000, but the Compton Cowboys rely on auctioned horses that cost $200. “The throwaway horses that we were given ended up being the best … because they had a feisty spirit and a chip on their shoulder just like we did.” http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/fSvx7LqKQP
“At the end of the day, we want people to also think about us when they think about cowboys, not just a bunch of white guys in cowboy hats. … We’re trying be the guys who make it cool to wear Stetson hats and Wrangler jeans in the ‘hood.” http://nyti.ms/2H0wJ3e pic.twitter.com/B9w9XcEEOv
1/2 According to their website, the mission “to continue to provide a safe haven for at-risk youth, guide both academic and career choices, and to give youth the opportunity to experience different cultures and environments outside of their neighborhood.”
2/2 It’s condescending to say these guys are out here just to change “negative stereotypes” about POC. Especially because that’s nowhere in their mission statement. Is the thought of a black guy enjoying horseback riding or farm work really mind blowing to you @nytimes ?
Bill Picket a black man invented the rodeo event they call bulldogging his name became synonymous with successful rodeos because of his talent and successful wild west shows.
It was my understanding a lot of the cowboys were African American. Many freed slaves would likely have some good livestock-handling skills and would have been in high demand during the era.
It's true the lone ranger is based on a black man.
Yep, Bass Reeves.
Nathaniel Dwayne Hale Great Dude he will never be forgotten because his music lives on .Nate Dogg is still Alive.
Great article. The value of having young people work with animals cannot be measured. Learning responsibility and caring is so important.
Seeing black men on horses is fairly common in North Texas.
I sincerely hope the @ComptonCowboys cowboys make a trip to @calgarystampede this summer.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.