The Cotton Club Museum is presenting the second Annual “History of Black Cowboys/Cowgirls in Florida: Then and Now.”
Did you know that Florida has a long history of Black Cowboys and Cowgirls dating back to the 1500s? No? Well, this is just one example of the history most of us never learned in school. However, on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, that history will come alive at Gainesville’s Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center.
Friday, April 4, 6 pm
John H. Nix and Rick Wallace, will tell their stories as longtime ranchers and cowboys in our area. The presentations are accompanied by a walk-thru photo exhibit showcasing the history of Black cowboys and cowgirls in Florida. Their stories span from West Africa in the 1600s to Mexico and Spanish Florida before Florida became a state.
John Nix, President of the North Central Florida Black Farmers Association, is a fourth-generation cattleman and horseman who manages his own 100-acre farm. Rick Wallace is a rodeo organizer who works with young cowboys and cowgirls to teach them knowledge and skills to participate in rodeo events.
Saturday, April 5, 11am – 4pm
This will be a day of fun and education.
Everyone—kids to adults—can see the horses up close on the CCMCC grounds managed by experienced horse handlers. Learn about their care and feeding, hop on a horse for a guided ride, and see demonstrations of roping and lassoing skills. Local groups will have displays on farming, agriculture, local history, and related topics.
The popular dance group Smooth Flava led by Wanda Lloyd, will lead us through the fun of square and line dancing. Enjoy delicious barbecue and fried fish served by local vendors.
Put on your favorite cowboy/cowgirl outfits or casual wear. Join others who want a richer appreciation of this vibrant local history. And even feed or make friends with a horse.
This two-day event is free and open to the public. Food may be purchased from vendors.
Register in advance at: CottonClubMuseum.com/events.
The Cotton Club Museum and Cultural Center is located at 837 SE 7th Avenue in Gainesville.
For more information contact Committee Chair Barbara McDade Gordon at bmcdade07@gmail.com