Portland Welcomes Its First Black Rodeo

Rodeos are a staple across the U.S., with many celebrating Black cowboy heritage in states like Oklahoma, Texas, and Colorado. However, Black rodeos are a rarity in the Pacific Northwest, and Oregon hasn't seen a significant one in recent years.

On June 17, the new 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo will launch in Portland, Oregon. While few rodeos are easily accessible via public transport, visitors can take the MAX Light Rail for about half an hour from downtown Portland directly to the Expo Center, which often hosts conventions, local sports events, and performances like Cirque du Soleil.

Established rodeos usually offer a familiar experience annually, but 8 Seconds has a chance to create something new. “In Portland, nobody will really know what to expect,” said Ivan McClellan, the photographer and creator of 8 Seconds. “Many fans might be wearing their very first pair of boots, and they'll leave with sore feet by the end of the night.”

Portland is primarily recognized for its urban attractions, such as craft breweries and art galleries. While the city provides easy access to nature, most outdoor enthusiasts visiting Portland are inclined towards hiking rather than the bareback riding, roping, barrel racing, bull riding, and bulldogging (steer wrestling) that will be featured at 8 Seconds.

Barbecue, beer, blues, and country music are essential elements of rodeos. 8 Seconds is reimagining this classic formula to celebrate Portland’s Black community. Attendees can enjoy Ghanaian dishes from Black Star Grill, barbecue from Felton and Mary’s, and a VIP bar offering handcrafted cocktails. The musical atmosphere will feature hip-hop and R&B tunes from DJ O.G.ONE, the official DJ of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. “We’re not going to play the music you hear in the South,” McClellan stated.

Hailing from Kansas, McClellan first encountered Black rodeos at 33 in 2015 when he attended the Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitational Rodeo in Oklahoma. This experience motivated him to capture Black cowboy culture through his photography. Now residing in Portland, he may not own a horse or participate in rodeos, but he remains committed to the community, with his work showcased at the Portland Art Museum.

In 2022, Vince Jones-Dixon, a city councilor from Gresham, approached McClellan with the idea of organizing a rodeo in honor of Juneteenth, the holiday celebrated on June 19 that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved individuals in Texas, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Jones-Dixon aims to introduce more people to the therapeutic aspects of horseback riding and enhance local tourism through such events. “I’m excited to see what the future holds,” he remarked about the rodeo’s continuation. “This resonates deeply with many people here in Oregon, including the athletes.”

Initially, McClellan's reaction to the idea of hosting a rodeo in Portland was one of disbelief: “No, that’s insane.” Since the Portland Expo Center isn’t a traditional rodeo venue, he would need to bring in dirt, fencing, and bleachers to set the stage for the event. However, after some reflection, he concluded, “That’s precisely what’s needed.”

Alongside the traditional rodeo events, McClellan—who will serve as the rodeo’s announcer—intends to invite young participants to share stories of Black pioneers over the loudspeaker throughout the day. For instance, attendees will learn about Letitia Carson, one of Oregon's first Black landowners, and bronc rider Jesse Stahl, who faced under-ranking in his remarkable rodeo achievements due to his race. McClellan also aims to educate the audience about the rodeo's location, situated in a historic Black community known as Vanport, which was devastated by a flood in 1948.

To motivate the younger generation to uphold the legacy of Black horsemanship, 8 Seconds will grant scholarships to five children in attendance for a year of horseback riding lessons. “All the athletes this year are coming in from out of town,” McClellan shared, “and our dream is that in 5 to 10 years, we’ll cultivate local athletes who grew up riding here and learned rodeo skills through the 8 Seconds Rodeo.”

He notes, “It’s a truly inspiring moment for young individuals to witness these Black cowboys in their own city and understand that this is part of their heritage. It’s something they can aspire to do themselves.”

Tickets for general admission to the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Rodeo on June 17, 2023, are priced at $42, while VIP tickets cost $160. The doors will open at 3 p.m., with the show commencing at 7 p.m.