Nation’s Oldest Black Rodeo Returns May 22-23, 2026
BOLEY, OK — The Historic Boley Rodeo, the nation’s oldest Black rodeo, officially returns on May 23, 2026. This year, the celebration expands with a premier kickoff event: Boley Rodeo Day, held May 22 at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.
A Historic Kickoff in Oklahoma City
On Friday, May 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., “The Cowboy” will host a day of cultural immersion featuring:
- Live Demonstrations: Art and roping exhibitions showcasing traditional Western skills.
- Heritage Exhibits: Curated displays highlighting the profound history of Boley, Oklahoma.
- A Cowboy Concert: A headlining performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Tony Williams.
The Tradition Continues in Boley
as the festivities shift to the historic town on Saturday, May 23. Starting at 9:00 a.m., the day features a full schedule of family-friendly activities, culminating in the legendary rodeo:
- Car Show
- Boley Rodeo Parade
- Pre-show Rodeo Activities
Founded in the early 1900s as a sanctuary for Black cowboys and cowgirls excluded from mainstream circuits, the Boley Rodeo remains a vital beacon of Black Western culture and skill as it continues to celebrate the traditions and legacy of those that came before.
The rodeo’s revitalization is being led by Karen Ekuban of the Project 2020 Foundation. Alongside her husband, a 10-year National Football League veteran, and her partner, Ellengton Boyce, the Ekuban and Boyce families are driving national visibility for this historic celebration of Black cowboy heritage. In partnership with the Boley Rodeo and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, this legacy is being honored and shared with a new generation.
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Tickets for Boley Rodeo Day and the Historic Boley Rodeo, as well as sponsorship opportunities and additional event details, can be found at:
www.thetownofboley.org
Friday, May 22
Boley Rodeo Day at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, Oklahoma City
- 10:00 AM – Event Begins
- 10:30 AM – Photo Unveiling: Like Father, Like Son
- 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM – Live Painting Demonstration by Thomas Blackshear II
- 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM – Roping Demonstration with World Champion Danell Tipton
- 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Cowboy Concert featuring Tony Williams
- 5:00 PM – Event Concludes
Saturday, May 23
Historic Boley Rodeo at the Boley Rodeo Grounds, Boley, Oklahoma
- 9:00 AM – Shop Talk Car Show
- 3:00 PM – Boley Rodeo Parade
- 5:00 PM – Arena Opens and Pre-Show Activities
- 7:00 PM – Historic Boley Rodeo Begins
Media Contact
Josnda Cole
Project 2020 Foundation
Jcole1828@gmail.com
