Mytris Dightman (1935-)

Most Famous African American Bull Rider (Photo courtesy of Don Russell)

(Photo courtesy of Don Russell)

In the 1950’s, Myrtis Dightman moved to Houston and found a job as a truck driver. Each year he noticed rodeos came to town but there were never any black cowboys. The lack of black contestants bothered him so he set his heart on competitions that would get him to the big rodeos.

In 1961, he began riding bulls and although it was difficult to get the scores to place, he earned the respect of cowboys of all races. In 1964, he placed in the top 20 and became the first black cowboy to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). He had achieved his goal.

He went to the National Finals Rodeo seven times and finished third in 1967, as close as he ever came to a world title. Along the way he mentored young bull riders like Charles “PeeWee” Sampson, the only Black Bull Riding Champion and many others. He still spends his days on the family ranch and hosts a rodeo in Crockett, Texas.

Bull rider’s of all ages will tell you he was the best!