DON RUSSELL: COWBOYS OF COLOR

The Grace Gallery is proud to feature Don Russell, a nationally renowned photographer, whose work captures the spirit and story of the black rodeo cowboy.

In honor of history and resilience, we proudly acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of cowboys of color to the legacy of Texas—a vital and often under recognized chapter in our state's story.

This exhibit honors the many black cowboys and cowgirls who ride and rope in the modern Cowboys of Color Rodeos. The portraits represent an often overlooked tradition and culture of black rodeos.

Don Russell:

"My last long-term project is a portfolio of portraits of African American rodeo cowboys. The project, Cowboys of Color, took two and half years to shoot, publish, and market. The images were shot at the live rodeos with a full studio set up behind the bull chutes."

Cleo Hearne: Cowboy, Champion Calf roper, Presidential Honor Guard, ford Motors Executive, Black Marlboro Man, Founder and Promoter of the Cowboys of Color Rodeo.

Rachel Hearne

Barrell Racer

Deante Thornton

Bull Rider

Clarence LeBlanc

1983 and 1990 IPRA World Steer Wrestling Champion

Patrick Taylor

Calf Roper

The photograph of Jason Griffin is part of a series Cowboys of Color. “The intent of this portfolio is to make visible the modern black cowboy. It is today’s history and shows the continuation of this black rodeo and ranching tradition into our time.” Don Russell

Griffin is a Bareback Bronc Champion of numerous rodeos. Griffin said, “Historical figures like Bill Pickett and Nat Love, those cowboys were so strong to shine through and overcome the hurdles they faced in their times. I admire their strength. I aspire to be the same way.”