Episode Title:
Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/making-history-they-cant-erase-
Episode Video Link:
In this episode of A Black Executive Perspective, Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed welcome back Valeria Howard Cunningham, President and CEO of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.
This conversation goes beyond the arena. Valeria shares the truth about Black cowboys and cowgirls, the history America tried to erase, and the work required to preserve Black Western culture for future generations.
The episode explores legacy, ownership, representation, Black women in rodeo, soul country music, community health, leadership, and the question of why the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo remains the greatest show on dirt.
This is a powerful conversation about making history that they cannot erase.
▶︎ In This Episode
00:00 Black cowboys, erased history, and why this story matters
04:00 Valeria Howard Cunningham and the Bill Pickett legacy
08:00 Making history, they can’t erase
12:00 Why a Black rodeo had to exist
18:00 The global impact of Black rodeo culture
23:00 Ownership, independence, and protecting the mission
29:00 Black women, cowgirls, and representation
36:00 Soul country music and the Black roots of country
47:00 Community health, leadership, and responsibility
59:00 Recognition, legacy, and advice for future leaders
1:09:00 Tony’s Tidbit, LESS pledge, and closing
🔗 Resources
Links and resources mentioned in this episode:
🔔 Listen and Subscribe
Listen to this episode and subscribe for future updates
subscribe to A Black Executive Perspective podcast on
- YouTube Podcasts
- Apple Podcasts
- Spotify Podcasts
- Amazon Music
- Other platforms or by searching “TonyTidbit“
if you like what we’re doing and would like to support us, here’s some ways you can help us continue the uncomfortable conversations that drive change
- subscribe to our newsletter
- give us up to a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts
- share an episode with a friend, family member or colleague
🗣️ Follow @ablackexec
follow us across social media @aBlackExec
⭐️ Follow @TonyTidbit
follow Tony across social media @TonyTidbit
This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .