- Just ahead on American Black Journal, the African American rodeo is coming to town.

We'll talk about how the sport promotes African American history, heritage and culture.

And we'll take you to the groundbreaking, for a world class park on Detroit's riverfront.

And the performance by Grammy nominated trumpeter, Kris Johnson.

Don't go away.

American Black Journal starts now.

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(upbeat music) - Welcome to American Black Journal.

I'm Trudy Gallant-Stokes, sitting in for Stephen Henderson.

We're starting today's show with a part of black history that's not often told.

I'm talking about the story of African American cowboys and cowgirls.

African-Americans have been participating in the professional sport of rodeo for more than 100 years.

The Midwest Invitational Rodeo, which showcases and preserves that history, lands at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Belleville on June 10th and 11th.

The rodeo provides a cultural and educational experience for all ages.

Here's my conversation with Midwest Invitational founder, Nicole Scott, and rodeo athlete, Staci Russell.

Welcome to American Black Journal, Nicole and Staci.

- Thank you so much.

- So great to have you here today.

And Staci, I saw you riding.

You are awesome.

Talk about black girl magic.

That is incredible.

So, tell us how you got into rodeo and I understand this was late in life, not until your late twenties?

- Absolutely.

It was definitely late in life.

I always wanted to learn how to ride a horse.

And then someone from church actually introduced me to someone at the barn at Ruth Park in Detroit, Michigan.

And I started taking lessons from him, Keith Morale, and the rest is history.

I bought my first horse from him, and I got started into the life of rodeo, and it has been an amazing journey.

- So, still most of us could not just launch in like that, and be so good at it.

But you were already an accomplished athlete?

- Yes ma'am.

- So, tell me about the other things that you were doing, that kind of built up to this?

- So, growing up, I played basketball and softball.

I had an athletic scholarship to Tuskegee University for softball, in addition to a academic scholarship.

As I got older, I realized that I could not really play basketball and softball forever, especially here in Michigan.

Softball is seasonal.

And when I found horses, and the events that you can do, and just continue to participate to whatever age, as long as you could lift up the saddle and get on a horse, you're good to go.

- Awesome.

So, I'm gonna bring Nicole in, and we're gonna come back and get some more details about your specific riding, Staci.

But, Nicole, your family has been involved with this for many, many years.

Tell me about your background.

- Yeah, so actually, my family has started Bill Picket Rodeo.

We're going into our 39th year.

I actually became involved with that, helping out my aunt and uncle, traveling with them.

Basically, as a hobby and just, I saw something.

I saw something that I'd never seen before.

And the bug, like Staci said once that bug gets you, it's yeah, it's nothing like it.

- Awesome.

So, talk about, yeah, like you said, you've had a long history and you've been doing the Bill Picket Invitational.

So, I mean, we learned very little, you know, in history and school about the black cowboys, but just give us a brief kind of history, and the names and people we need to know about.

- You know, what, I'm glad you touched on that.

'Cause that's something that I definitely believe in.

Being the mother of African American children, and then also, growing up in an area, predominantly white area.

I went to private schools, the majority of my life.

So, I moved to Denver, my family and I moved to Denver.

And we went to a rodeo, and growing up, you, black history month wasn't anything that I was very excited about, because we only talked about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King.

Not that those aren't people that we should be proud of, and slavery.

And so you don't know anything about it.

You don't hear anything about it.

So, I went to Denver, and Denver of all places, they celebrate Juneteenth.

I had no idea what Juneteenth was.

I, you know, I celebrate the 4th of July.

Also to, just moving in different areas.

You know, my African American children need something, and I, as well, needed something to be proud about or proud of.

And then you find out that the original cowboy looked like you, you know and then you, you realize that there was, you know the lone ranger may not have been, you know the person that is depicted on, you know, when you see on TV and then I just wanted, I think if we know more, we can do more or if we see things, we can get excited about it.

You know, when kids see Staci, you know, they're like oh my God, a cowgirl, when they see her come off on that horse and she has on a cowgirl hat.

And you know, she's just we have pictures of people and we see things.

But when it's us, that gives us a sense of pride that we can do it too.

So being with the rodeos or going around to the different rodeos.

The rodeo that we do is a little bit more we focus on education, you know, you'll see a reenactment of a Bass Reeves, you'll see a Stagecoach Mary, you'll see a Bill Picket.

So, it's little subliminal messages that you're getting that you don't actually realize that we're educating you too, you know and then you see this competition and it is so fast paced.

You know, people wanna think that they're gonna leave, you know, and Staci will do something and you know, it's seconds, you know, it's not a minute.

You're not gonna leave out and come back in and catch your, you know, the, no, if you blink, it's done you know, so we have the best athletes coming in.

And just to know that these people that look like us, you know, you could do that.

You, could be that you can make a career out of it.

This is what Staci does.

She travels all over the country and she doesn't just compete in rodeos that are African American.

You know, she has worked to the level, you know, where she's able to compete in any rodeo.

It's just not, you know, women of color.

It's any rodeo, she competes with the best of them.

- Absolutely.

So I'm gonna go back in a minute to a little bit more of that history because we really need to know and learn those important names in history.

But Staci, I was not even familiar with the, what you do.

So describe it.

And then when I saw it, I thought, man, that's scary.

I mean, you've gotta have a lot of nerve and a lot of confidence to get out there and race around those barrels.

Like you do.

- The speed that she goes.

I mean, she's, it's incredible.

- So describe what it is that you do and what the goal is?

- So the event that I compete in is called barrel racing and three barrels are set up and you run in a cloverleaf pattern.

So you go around each barrel, fastest time wins.

And that is definitely what everybody strives for, is to set the pace so that you can essentially earn money doing it.

What I enjoy most about it would be, it's such an adrenaline rush.

And you, like you said, you have to have a lot of confidence.

You have to definitely have a positive mindset, stay confident in everything that you're doing because the littlest of things can knock you off your game and can mentally get in your head just like any athlete.

So I would definitely, I love, well, I take my horse around to different schools.

So I'm an educator by day, right?

And I take my horse to different schools just to expose kids, to expose our kids to different sports because they don't know.

- Tell us what your horse's name is?

- My horse's name is Reese's Cup.

Like the candy.

- So Cute.

- (laughing) He is super sweet.

He is an old man now, he is 18 years old.

- Wow.

And that that's pretty old in horse years?

- Yes, I've had him since he was nine.

And he's been my he's my first and only horse.

- Wow.

- [Staci] Yes.

- So obviously you don't just jump up and start doing that barrel race.

You had to work your way into that.

So first of all, like you said you had to learn how to ride a horse.

And then what were the steps that got you up to this point?

And then when you were looking at these different activities what made you pick that particular one?

- Well, initially I wanted to learn how to just ride a horse and the steps for that was just being consistent and taking lessons.

And definitely saddle time, you have to ride consistently on a everyday basis just to get to a level where you are secure and confident and safe on a horse.

Outside of that, when I started to move into the progression of trying to compete, you have to have horsepower.

So every horse is not a barrel racing horse or a steer wrestling horse.

Like just you, you have horses and they have specific jobs that they do and so my horse, he was a barrel racing horse and a pole bending horse.

He was trained in for those events.

So that helped me out.

I honestly, I got lucky with my horse.

That is a crucial part in the partnership of becoming a great competitor.

And I'm not gonna say that I'm great.

I'm good, there's always, - Look like your pretty good.

- There's room for growth, but definitely he's been a great starter horse that has taken me to different levels.

I've won mid-state's championship, world racing championship for 2017.

And it's been an amazing experience but for sure, practice is crucial.

- As we talked about the history that we talked about Bill Pickett, and he started a particular form of rodeo and was credited with being kind of the father of that.

So talk about that.

And as Staci mentioned that there are different you know, types of performances, different skills required for whatever competition you're in.

- Yeah.

So, you know what, Staci would be more into the rodeo and the different skills and the different techniques.

You know, I am actually more of the promoter, people that bring it together, more educating, you know, making sure that people are singing the Negro National Anthem.

What did Bill Picket do?

He just started, you know an event that we are doing years later and it was just something fun.

It was just a fun competition or it didn't even start as a competition.

He just started as an activity, you know that he did to show his strength in the might that he does, you know, or the might that he had.

- Awesome.

Well, I'm gonna let you wrap up at the end on Nicole and talk about this great invitational.

That's coming to our area very soon, but Staci, I'm curious, what's the reaction of people when you come in?

I'm sure they probably look at you and say she doesn't know what she's doing.

And then all of a sudden.

- Yeah.

Staci tell 'em about that.

How, you know, what competing in a man's world and having to deal with the guys and how you have to boss up and tell 'em and show 'em.

(Staci laughing) - You know what, don't let her smile fool you, Staci, when she gets out there, she is intense.

Nobody.

She's not anybody that you play with either, and she gets the respect of the guys as well, you know, and what she does, she knows her horses and the things that she, you know the places that Reese Cup goes.

Reese Cup goes to Chicago for special treatments and water baths and all these other things.

So, Reese Cup is not just a normal horse.

And like I said, Staci is just an amazing, amazing athlete.

- So tell us about how people can see you right here in the Metro Detroit area.

- So at the rodeo, June 10th and 11th at the Wayne County Fairgrounds I will be competing there in barrel racing.

So I will run Friday night and I will run again Saturday night.

So everyone has an opportunity to see me for sure once, maybe even twice.

- All right and Nicole, tell us about the entire event.

And there's a great website where people can go and learn more.

I mean, this is talk about a source of cultural pride.

This is an awesome occasion.

- Thank you so much.

You know again, going back to Staci, you know our rodeo contestants are approachable.

You're able to talk to them.

You're able to touch them.

They are walking in, you know, with on the grounds, you know, saying hello to the kids.

Staci being an educator, you know, she brings her kids from the school that she works at and allow them to see.

And Michigan State is a school that is, has a rodeo team but we don't know that, they're agricultural school.

They veterinarian school.

If we can show them or show our children, they can be it.

Or if they can see it, they can be it.

Touching, feeling.

We're able to do all of that.

We're able to, we have something, you know like a mechanical bull.

We have, you know, the 4H that's out there.

We have so much to offer that it's not just a rodeo.

So we encourage people to get there early.

'Cause once that show starts at seven it's nonstop.

So we invite people to get there probably about four or five, and then they can fellowship and meet you know, wonderful people like Staci and, you know seeing her prepare and getting ready for, you know the events that she has coming.

- Sounds like a great event, wonderful for families and people are always asking for activities.

You can involve families something that everybody can do together.

So get out there, enjoy and good luck to you, Staci.

I know you're gonna be awesome.

And thank you so much, Nicole, for making sure that this history is being preserved and passed down and that young kids can now learn about the black cowboys.

- Thanks Staci for competing.

Thank you so much.

- Thank you.

- Thanks for joining us.

Work has begun on the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park on Detroit's West Riverfront.

The 22 acre park will feature a water garden, a sport house, play garden, and more.

Transforming the Riverfront into a world class public space.

American Black Journal's AJ Walker was there for the groundbreaking and she has details in this report.

- Everybody ready?

- Yeah.

- All right, here we go.

1, 2, 3.

(crowd cheering) - It's another milestone for the city of Detroit to end its beautiful river.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park, formally known as West Riverfront Park.

Now has a new name and epic new plans for development.

- We say this park has something for everyone, it's because we actively worked to bring everyone to the table.

In particular, we worked across the city with kids to develop the vision for a four acre play garden at Wilson park.

- The Delta Dental play garden at the park was made possible largely due to Delta dental and their large donation of $5 million.

It will feature a 20 foot bear play structure that children can climb.

And other imaginative creatures.

Margaret Trimer, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Delta Dental says that investment is part of their commitment to make Detroit even better by investing in its children.

- We've birthed something amazing.

And we need to take incredible care of that which we've birthed.

Our children first, our parks, our community, second.

- Trimer also spoke about the importance of making parks spaces for everyone.

- If you don't believe the power of gathering diversity in a safe and comforting space, walk this community.

- Mayor Mike Duggan shares that vision and is proud to see the Detroit river walk as a welcoming space for all people near and far.

- Come down here on Saturday afternoon and see for yourself.

You will see people of all shapes, sizes, ages, backgrounds all coming together, smiling and enjoying themselves.

There's no doubt.

This has become one of the really great assets of the city.

You know, I grew up here as a child.

I never came down to the riverfront unless it was on bell island because it was cement silos and abandoned factories.

And that's the amazing thing that's happened.

And riverfront has been given back to the people in the city of Detroit.

That's really a special thing.

- These renderings help demonstrate just how special and spectacular the park will be.

Fred white moved to Detroit from Georgia more than 30 years ago.

Today, he watched the groundbreaking from a distance, while he fished along the river wall.

White says he loves all of the changes so far to the Detroit riverfront and is looking forward to the completion of this new edition.

- They're doing a great job.

I went down on that end and I like what I saw.

- James Chapman agrees.

- It's fabulous.

- What do you love about the riverfront and what they're doing?

- I'm raised on this river.

This is home.

- It's taken a lot of people, organizations and companies like DTE and Delta Dental to make the Ralph C. Wilson park the beautiful place it will become.

David Egner of the Ralph C. Wilson foundation which helped make this possible.

Says it's been a long journey.

- This riverfront goes back to the vision of general motors and Kresge foundation and others to activate the river.

Carl 11, Senator 11 was critical to this, was ahead of it even before that time.

And all we did at the Wilson foundation was jump on board after so much funding over the years.

And in 2018, we committed $15 million to funding, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial park.

- Mary Wilson, wife of the late Ralph C. Wilson is proud to see her husband's legacy and vision for Detroit carrying on.

- What would Ralph say right now?

And he would say, thank you to so many people that have made this happen.

- In total, Ralph C. Wilson park will cost about $75 million for all of the people rolling up their sleeves and putting together the resources to make it all possible.

The groundbreaking is symbolic of what can be done when people come together.

- They spoke at events, hosted dinners at their homes and went door to door and even traveled to parks throughout the country, to learn more about public spaces and we had some good times.

- This international jewel will be enjoyed by people from every corner of both peninsulas of the state of Michigan.

When they come here to have fun and to build memories because that's what this is all about.

We are happier.

We are better connected.

And again, I'll say it again.

We are healthier because we are investing in spaces and opportunities like this one.

- We're going to leave you now with music from trumpeter and composer, Kris Johnson, from his appearance on, "Detroit Performs: live from Marygrove.

You can find out more about our guest @americanblackjournal.org and you can always connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

Take care and we'll see you next time.

♪ I used to walk with my head ♪ Facing the ground ♪ I was too scared ♪ To face all the frowns ♪ I slip on my clothes ♪ Tip toe ♪ No one knows ♪ What I'm in store for ♪ Keep your head up ♪ Keep your head up ♪ Keep your head up ♪ Do it for me ♪ Keep your head up ♪ Keep your head up ♪ Keep your head up ♪ Do it for me ♪ I reach the edge of the yard ♪ The kids are so free ♪ I felt my heart start to fall ♪ ♪ Why do they believe me ♪ I see them turning around ♪ Are they looking at me ♪ I won't back down ♪ Standing like a cloudless dream ♪ ♪ Head up ♪ Do it for me ♪ Girl keep your head up ♪ Oh keep your head up