Black cowboys

Black cowboys in the American West accounted for up to an estimated 25% of cowboys "who went up the trail" to participate in cattle drives from the 1860s to 1880s, estimated to be at least 5,000 individuals. They were also part of the rest of the ranching industry in the West.

Typically former slaves or born into the families of former slaves, many African American men had skills in cattle handling and headed West at the end of the Civil War. Compared to other industries of the time, Black men in the cattle industry were able to hold a range of responsibilities and get paid relatively equally to White men, although racial discrimination persisted.

Black cowboys participated in the rodeo competitions that grew out of the cattle industry starting in the 1870s, but since they faced discrimination in most White-sponsored shows, many organized their own shows that traveled around rural communities up to the 1940s. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and other Black rodeo organizations continue to feature Black rodeo performers.

Many Western films and television shows have underrepresented the number of Black people who worked in the West, but some have featured or included portrayals of Black cowboys, including characters based on historical figures. In the 2010s and 2020s, musicians including Beyoncé and Lil Nas X created hit songs and award-winning albums that drew on the history of Black cowboys.

In rural communities in Texas, Louisiana, and neighboring states, African-American trail rides celebrate Black cowboy culture. Several cities also have horse riding clubs inspired by the history and traditions of Black cowboys, such as the Oakland Black Cowboy Association and New York City Federation of Black Cowboys.