When one thinks of a cowboy or a cowgirl, a Black person may not be the first image that comes to mind. Despite being erased from most history books, the legacy of the Black cowboy and cowgirl has a strong culture throughout the country, particularly the South.
One group is continuing its fight to preserve the heritage of these unsung heroes, even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Circle L Five Riding Club is the oldest Black riding club in Texas and a staple within the Fort Worth community for over 70 years. Founded in 1951, the founders wanted to create a club where they ccould keep their cowboy traditions alive during Jim Crow.
“They came up with the club name as they were sitting in a circle talking about organizing a riding club. [Ed] “Pop” Landers (one of the founders of the riding club) had a stick in his hand and made a circle in the dirt,” said Marcellous “Mo” Anderson, president of Circle L 5, in an email interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
“They decided on ‘Circle,’ and, as it was Lander’s idea, they used his last name’s initial ‘L.’ Since it was just the five of them, they came up with the name Circle L 5 Riding Club. ‘Pop’ Landers had the vision and desire to create the riding club’s existence because he wanted to be able to ride as a Black cowboy in any parade or rodeo he desired.”
Despite numerous attempts to derail the group, including an incident during the Fort Worth Stock Show during segregation where many of the riders faced discrimination from their White counterparts, the members are committed to preserving their culture while showing others in the Black community that riding horses and being a cowboy or cowgirl isn’t just in White culture.
“Black Cowboys go back to the very beginning of American cowboy history when groups of men on horseback would take months-long trail drives from their hometowns–usually in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, California, North Dakota, or South Dakota–to connect with Midwestern railroads, herding their cattle along the way,” Anderson explained.
“The journeys were long and dangerous, and whether you were Black, White, or Mexican, you slept in the same spaces, ate the same food, performed the same tasks, and took the same risks. Those who survived the journeys formed bonds that would last a lifetime.”
Although the spread of COVID-19 has canceled all club events for the rest of the year, Anderson says that still hasn’t deterred riders from spending time with their horses.
“Once we get down here, we wear our masks and social distance while taking care of our horses,” he says.
MINDEN, Nev. – President Donald Trump set the tone early on at his rally in northern Nevada Saturday night, warning that he was prepared to "be really vicious" in the final weeks of the presidential campaign.
Fuming over a new ad about his alleged disparagement of U.S. military personnel, Trump arrived here with a torrent of insults ready to go. “Pathetic Joe. He’s a pathetic human being to allow that to happen,” Trump said of Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and the ad Biden's campaign released last week, which seized on comments Trump reportedly made about America’s fallen soldiers.
“But you know the good part?” Trump continued. “Now I can be really vicious. Once I saw that ad, I don’t have to be nice anymore.”
The president also claimed Biden, “doesn’t know he’s alive.”
“Sleepy Joe Biden. You know where he is now? He’s in his damn basement again,” Trump told the crowd.
He accused Nevada’s Democratic governor of trying to “rig the election,” after Trump campaign officials were forced to move the Saturday night rally out of Reno, Nev. due to Covid-19 restrictions forbidding large crowds in the state. And he charged his political opponents with trying to “hurt” efforts to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The president also said the only way he would lose the election in November is if Democrats "rig" it.
Trump’s fiery appearance at an airport hangar in Douglas County, which he carried by more than 30 percentage points in 2016, capped off a turbulent week for his reelection campaign, with aides left to play defense after taped interviews emerged of the president admitting to downplaying the dangers of Covid-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, when the virus first reached the United States. Upon landing in the Silver State, Trump told reporters the pandemic is “rounding the corner” and repeated his unlikely claim that a vaccine will be available before the end of the year.
But coronavirus seemed far from the president’s mind when he stood before supporters on Saturday, railing against “bird cemeteries” that accumulate beneath wind turbines, dismissing concerns about “lock her up” chants that remain a staple of his rallies, and claiming Biden will be praised for his performance at the first presidential debate as long as he “gets off the stage” safely.
It was an odd sequence of attacks for the president to offload in Nevada, where his campaign is attempting to court enough Hispanic voters to overcome the razor-thin margin he lost the state by in 2016 — and potentially offset losses elsewhere.
The president’s campaign has spent months devising a backup plan that could get him to 270 electoral votes should he lose one or more of the Rust Belt states he flipped four years ago, focusing heavily on areas where his law-and-order message could break through and where polling shows marginal growth in his minority support.
Nevada is among the locations his campaign is targeting as they work to rebuild enthusiasm around his handling of the U.S. economy and solidify his support with Hispanic voters. Coronavirus-related lockdowns decimated the local economy in Las Vegas this summer after casinos and hotels were forced to shutter in accordance with statewide restrictions on large gatherings and indoor services. In Reno, doors were shut at local casinos for nearly two months this summer creating a major loss in room tax revenue across the industry.
Along with Arizona, where the president is traveling on Monday, Nevada is also a state where campaign aides believe Trump’s expanded Latino support could make a difference in November. Latinos account for roughly 19 percent of Nevada’s eligible voting population.
Towards the end of his winding, 90-minute speech Saturday night, the president nodded towards Hispanic voters' pivotal role in the state and, potentially, the country, touting a poll that he claimed showed he is leading Biden among that block of voters
In reality, Biden is leading Trump by double-digits among Hispanics nationally, although a Marist-NBC survey released Wednesday showed Trump with a 4-point edge among Hispanic voters in Florida. That's raised questions about a potential tectonic shift in Hispanic support toward the incumbent Republican, after Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton carried two-thirds of Florida Hispanics in 2016.
And it's another reason for alarm among Democrats, some of whom have been criticizing the Biden campaign for months for their lack of effort in Hispanic communities in Florida, Arizona and Nevada.
Until September, the Trump campaign had outspent Biden on Spanish-language television. The Biden campaign, however, recently told POLITICO it had increased its ad spending, surpassing Trump on Spanish-language channels last week, and also beefed up its Hispanic-outreach staff.
One official involved with the Trump campaign claimed the president’s support among Hispanic voters nationally has reached 30 to 35 percent in some internal polls, though the official declined to share the data with POLITICO.
Trump allies have a number of rationales for his rise in popularity among Hispanics. Some claim the pre-pandemic economy, which saw the Hispanic unemployment rate hit a record low of 3.9 percent a year ago, helped more Hispanics feel comfortable supporting the president, despite his record of racially insensitive rhetoric and policies. Others believe Biden has embraced policy positions that alienate Hispanic Catholics and workers in parts of Nevada, Arizona and Florida.
Trump suggested Saturday night he would do well with Hispanic voters in November because they "like tough people, they like people who are going to produce jobs. And by the way Hispanics know the border better than anyone."
from Politics, Policy, Political News Top Stories https://ift.tt/2FfMRlf
via 400 Since 1619
An autopsy report released on Friday revealed new details about the death of Glee actress Naya Rivera, who drowned in July while boating with her 4-year-old son on a California lake.
The investigation from Ventura County Medical Examiner determined that the 33-year-old raised her arm and called for help when she accidentally drowned at Lake Piru northwest of Los Angeles, The Associated Press reported.
According to the report, Rivera first helped her son, Josey, get back on the boat. The boy then “noticed the decedent put her arm up in the air and yelled ‘help,’” the autopsy stated. The actress "knew how to swim well," but she "disappeared into the water,” investigators concluded.
The man who rented the pontoon boat to Rivera said he put a life vest aboard even though she declined the safety gear.
Medical examiners said Rivera struggled with vertigo and a recent sinus infection. Drugs weren't found to be factors in her death. However, the toxicology report found a small amount of prescribed amphetamines in her system, as well as minimal amounts of an anti-anxiety drug and an appetite suppressant.
Josey, who was found sleeping alone on the boat later that day, was taken to his father.
As Blavity previously reported, the body of Rivera was found in the lake on July 13, less than a week after she was reported missing.
"I can't make any sense of what happened," Ventura County Deputy Chris Dyer said after the body was found. "We just know that we found a 4-year-old on a boat, and he said that his mother never got back in."
During the search, officials released surveillance video from the lake's parking lot. The footage showed Rivera and her son walking toward the water on July 8. With use of sonar equipment, as well as help from divers, investigators conducted the search for the missing mother.
After presuming her to be dead on July 9, the search continued until four days later when her body was found floating on the surface of the lake.
Sgt. Kevin Donoghue said Josey "gave enough information to investigators to conclude that his mother never made it out of the water."
Investigators added that the conditions of the lake posed a challenge.
“There’s a lot of challenges in a reservoir this size, at times with visibility,” Capt. Eric Buschow told CBS Los Angeles.
According to CNN, the northeast area of the lake, where Rivera's body was found, is 35- 60 feet deep.
The Glee cast member posted a picture of herself and her son a day before she went missing.
On September 15th in New York, Sotheby’s will let buyers place bids on hip-hop memorabilia
Well-known international auction house Sotheby’s will pay tribute to Hip Hop next week with its first auction dedicated to the culture.
On September 15th in New York, Sotheby’s will let buyers place bids on hip-hop memorabilia, some items dating back to the 1970s.
One of the most iconic items up for auction is the crown worn by Brooklyn-born Biggie Smalls during the 1997 “King of New York” photo shoot. The portrait he took with that crown was his last before he was killed in Los Angeles three days later.
The auction will also feature more than 20 love letters written by a young, 16-year-old Tupac Shakur to his high school sweetheart.
“Since its birth in the Bronx in the 1970s, Hip Hop has become a global cultural force, whose massive influence continues to shape all realms of culture: music, fashion, design, art, film, social attitudes, language, and more,” Cassandra Hatton, Vice President & Senior Specialist in Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts Dept. said.
“ This sale is a celebration of the origins and early eras of that influence. We are pleased to announce the auction with two renowned and beloved icons whose lives and lyricism continue to resonate — Biggie and Tupac — with lots that offer an introspective look, in their own way, at the personalities behind their respective public personas.”
B.I.G.’S ‘KING OF NEW YORK’ CROWN
American rapper Notorious BIG (born Christopher Wallace) attends the 1995 Billboard Music Awards, New York, New York, December 6, 1996. (Photo by Larry Busacca/WireImage)
The crown was obtained by photographer Barron Claiborne, who has had it in his possession since the now renowned photoshoot. Included in this lot are three specially sized prints, signed by Claiborne, of the iconic ‘K.O.N.Y’ photograph, the 10th anniversary K.O.N.Y. photograph, and the contact sheet, which is estimated to sell around $200,000-$300,000. The interior of the crown is signed by both Biggie and Claiborne.
“I’m very excited to share this iconic piece of Hip Hop history with the public. With the tragic events that unfolded just days after the photoshoot, this image of a crowned Notorious B.I.G. became much more than a portrait – the image transformed Biggie Smalls into an aristocratic or saint like figure, forever immortalized as not only the King of New York, but a king of Hip Hop music and one of the greatest artists of all time, ” said Claiborne.
TUPAC SHAKUR’S TEENAGE LOVE LETTERS
Rapper Tupac Shakur poses for photos backstage after his performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois in March 1994. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images)
22 autographed love letters written by a 16-year-old Tupac Shakur to Kathy Loy, a high school sweetheart from the Baltimore School for the Arts are estimated to sell at around $60,000-$80,000. The lot includes 42 pages on 24 sheets of paper and one greeting card. Tupac signed all the letters.
Shakur would have been in the 10th grade when he wrote the letters. He and Loy took theater classes at the school. The letters span from late March 1987 to April 1988, from their meeting to an eventual breakup.
The letters even show Shakur’s close friendship with fellow student Jada Pinkett. In one letter he wrote “Jada told me she can see how much I love you…”
Shakur also wrote about his doubts about his music career. He wrote, “my old manager came over and said she doesn’t want me to retire from rap but I think I am because I can’t handle too much rejection and I don’t have the time…”
Shakur also admitted to fearing rejection and his lack of confidence, noting that “I just want to be less sensitive and less of a pest…. What I am feeling has to do with my insecurities, and I have to handle that on my own…”.
In the final letter, Tupac penned to ‘Ms. Loy’ nearly a year after the pair’s break up, Shakur shared how he has moved out of his mother’s home and sincerely expresses regret over their break-up.
.@Sothebys is set to host its first-ever hip-hop auction, headlined by Notorious B.I.G.'s 'King of New York' crown and love letters written by Tupac Shakur.
Overall, the sale will feature more than 120 pieces including: unique artifacts, contemporary art, one of a kind experiences, photography, vintage and modern fashion, historic and newly designed jewelry and luxury items, rare ephemera including flyers and posters, important publications, and more.
The majority of items in the sale have been consigned directly by artists or their estates and the full contents of the auction will be announced at a later date.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Queens Public Library Foundation, to support their Hip Hop Programs and also Building Beats, a non-profit organization that teaches tech, entrepreneurial and leadership skills to underserved youth through music programs.
Monica Lynch, former president of Tommy Boy Records (1981-1998), collaborated with Sotheby’s to organize the event. Lynch helped launch the careers of legends Afrika Bambaataa & Soulsonic Force, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, and Naughty by Nature, among many others.
Those interested in viewing the auction items in person will need to set up an appointment in Sotheby’s York Avenue galleries beforehand. Slots are open from September 11th– 15th. The public can also see the exhibition online.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
It’s been 20 years since the first movie premiered
Gabrielle Union confirmed a sequel to “Bring It On,” with the original cast, is in pre-production.
On The Late, Late Show With James Corden, Union told the host that she will reprise her starring role as Isis in the film. The movie will return to the big screen and will also feature Kirsten Dunst.
“I think [we agreed] because we all got obsessed with Cheer on Netflix and it kind of like brought back the whole love of cheerleading, and we kinda want to see where these people would be 20 years later,” Union said.
Cheer on Netflix is a docuseries that focuses on five individual cheer team members, the history of cheerleading, the formation of the National Cheerleaders Association, and the inner workings of modern cheerleading.
PopSugar reported this future installment of “Bring It On” will be the first sequel to feature the original cast.
It has been 20 years since the release of the original movie, which spawned five direct-to-video sequels and a Broadway musical. The latest film in the series was released in 2017, and it was called “Bring It On: Worldwide #Cheersmack.”
As Huffington Post reporter Emma Gray said, “this docu-series is a riveting, heartfelt peek into the world of elite collegiate cheerleading, something that I admit I knew painfully little about outside of fictional depictions like ‘Bring It On.’”
The hit 2000 movie has not only propelled the careers of the actors but paved the pathway for similar teen flicks involving cheerleading and competitive dance, such as “Fired Up!.”
Union, 47, has been active in several roles on TV and film. She is currently on Fox’s L.A.’s Finest as Special Agent Sydney “Syd” Burnett alongside co-star Jessica Alba for the second season.
Have you subscribed to theGrio’s podcast “Dear Culture”? Download our newest episodes now!
Who are you?
-
Ever since I saw the first preview of the movie, Overcomer, I wanted to see
it. I was ready. Pumped. The release month was etched in my mind. When the
time...
7 Networking Tips to Meet Your Career Goals
-
Building your network is vital no matter where you are in your career
journey. For first-time job seekers, networking can help you gain
opportunities in ...
Why 2024 Is A Great Time to Take An Alaska Cruise
-
Alaska is unlike any other cruise destination. Given its history, culture,
geography and wildlife…it’s a real learning experience. Here are some of
the mos...
Master the Art of Asking Epic Travel Questions!
-
I’m blessed to have built a career in travel journalism over the last 12
years. Putting myself in the position to field hundreds of questions weekly
acro...
5 Tips to Know Before Arriving in Iceland
-
Reykjavik, Iceland, isn’t just a city full of snow and extremely cold
weather, but a city with some of mother nature’s most gorgeous landscapes
and attra...
Coconut Oil Supplements – How Helpful are They?
-
What are Coconut Oil Supplements? Even though coconut oil has been used in
the health and beauty industry for decades, it has recently been taking the
wo...
Master the Art of Asking Epic Travel Questions!
-
I’m blessed to have built a career in travel journalism over the last 12
years. Putting myself in the position to field hundreds of questions weekly
acro...
RV tire blowout part 4 – final
-
Recap – We had a major tire blowout on I-75 in Florida on our way back to
Georgia. I spent the night at Camping World’s parking lot. Drove back to
Georgia....
What We’re Reading | 2021 Staff Favorites
-
2021 is coming to a close. We laughed, we cried, and we read through the
chaos of living through another year of the pandemic. In honor of another
amazing ...
Everyday Life With Crypto: 5 Unique Gift Ideas
-
This year crypto is more than a buzzword! With over 18465 cryptocurrencies
already making their movements in the market, investors are getting
innovative...
