In February, 2007 three (3) local non-profit organizations, Buffalo Soldiers of New Mexico, Navajo Elks Lodge #863, and New Mexico Horizons, Inc. ,joined together and  formed the African American Rodeo Group to sponsor the Bill Pickett / Jackson Sundown Invitational Rodeo. This will be THE 1ST TIME IN RECORDED HISTORY that African American and Native American Cowboys and Cowgirls will be competing, fully, in the only touring Black Rodeo in the United States.

We are very proud and excited to be a part of and sponsor this event in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As part of our mission, the rodeo is only the start of the future for the AARG. We will award scholarships to high school and undergraduate students majoring in Animal Sciences and other related fields. Some proceeds will also go toward educational programs about the historical contributions of African Americans and Native Americans in developing the " WEST ". We will address the need for specialized training in developing Riding clubs, Equestrian Teams, Large Animal care, as well as the pathway to become certified in professional rodeo events.

We will start our week of events with a "COMMUNITY COOK-OFF and MERCHANDISE VENDORS " sponsored by the Isleta Casino and Resort and the African American Rodeo Group on May 17, 2008 at Isleta Lakes. This contest will have awesome prize awards. To compete in the cook-off, or complete a vendor merchandise application, contact Michael DeHoney at 505.975-9449. The rodeo will be on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Tingley Coliseum located on the Expo New Mexico state fair grounds. Rodeo Vendors contact Emund Horn at 505.228.5468 or 505.294.4836. Rodeo tickets may be purchased online at ticketannex.com or call 505.243.9744.

The rodeo will be on Saturday, May 24, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Tingley Coliseum located on the Expo New Mexico state fair grounds. Rodeo Vendors contact Emund Horn at 505-228-5468 or 505-294-4836. Rodeo tickets may be purchased online at ticketannex.com or call 505-243-9744.

Continue to visit www.africanamericanrodeogroup.com for other activities, our community calendar, our sponsors, places to go, places to eat, sleep and tour. For other questions, contact Public Information Officer, Angela Beachem, 505.410.1155.