SHELBYVILLE — A packed crowd filled Cooper Steel Arena in Shelbyville, Tennessee, for the fifth annual Tennessee Invitational Black Rodeo, presented by Black Rodeo USA. The 2026 event featured competitions in steer wrestling, ranch bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and bull riding under the theme “Reclaiming the Ride, Reimagining the Legacy.”
Children participated in a calf scramble and met Miss Black Rodeo USA, while Byron the Bull posed for photos with families. A rodeo clown entertained spectators, and a house DJ provided music throughout the show. Jerry Williams presented a Tennessee Walking Horse demonstration, and the We All Can Go riders performed a Pony Express showcase.
Jason Lutz and Derek Fleming served as grand marshals, and veterans Erskine Lytle and John Keys were honored during the event. Black Rodeo USA leaders said the event was designed to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Black cowboys and cowgirls while introducing new audiences to the sport.
General Manager Jesse Guillory said, “Our current climate seems to diminish the rich roles that African and Black Americans had in the West and beyond. This is an opportunity to educate rodeo fans about a unique cultural heritage as well as to inspire a young generation to develop a desire and appreciation for the sport.”
Black Rodeo USA began touring nationally in 2020. The organization focuses on youth, community, agriculture, education, health, and entertainment through its rodeo events and related programs. Sponsors and partners for the Tennessee Invitational included The Tennessee Tribune, TrueVet Solutions, Roper, Stetson, Edward Jones, Wrangler, Boot Barn, Black Rodeo USA Foundation, 92Q, the National Museum of African American Music, Nearest Green Distillery, Cracker Barrel, the Bedford County Juneteenth Celebration, 30 & Up Nashville, and Elks Lodge No. 1102.