African American trail rides

African American trail rides, or Black trail rides, are rural parade-like celebrations that commemorate the traditions of Black cowboys and formerly enslaved African Americans who were skilled in caring for and training livestock.[1] The tradition is found in the African American communities of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.

Black cowgirls and cowboys

Creole trail rides in Louisiana and Texas typically feature a "procession, zydeco music, dancing and feasting."[2] The annual Step-N-Strut trail ride in St. Landry Parish has been described as "the Creole Woodstock."[2] Trail rides are increasingly popular in Mississippi.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Higgins, Alicia Barrera, Adam B. (2022-02-23). "Local organization aims to preserve Black cowboy culture through trail riding". KSAT. Retrieved 2023-11-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b Balsam, Joel (2018-09-21). "Black cowboys: Creole trail rides showcase unique culture". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-12-12.
  3. ^ Giancarlo, Alexandra (Winter 2017). "Riders". 64 Parishes. Photographs by Jeremiah Ariaz. Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities. Retrieved 2023-12-12.

Further reading

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