This Week in the West: Myrtis Dightman

🤠This Week in the West 🎙️ Episode 27: Myrtis Dightman

📢 Episode Summary: In this week’s episode of This Week in The West, we celebrate the 90th birthday of rodeo legend Myrtis Dightman, a man who broke barriers as the first Black cowboy to compete at the highest levels of bull riding. Known as the “Jackie Robinson of bull riding,” Dightman’s courage and talent paved the way for future generations of Black rodeo athletes, inspiring countless cowboys—including world champion Charlie Sampson—to chase their own dreams in the arena.

We dive into Dightman’s incredible journey, from his early days working as a ranch hand and bullfighter in East Texas to his historic debut at the National Finals Rodeo in 1964. Despite the racism and obstacles that stood in his way, Dightman earned his place among rodeo’s greats, capturing wins at top-tier events like the Cheyenne Frontier Days and Calgary Stampede, and leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

Listeners will also hear stories of Dightman’s mentorship, his appearances in classic rodeo films, and the legacy he’s built back home in Crockett, Texas, where a statue and an annual rodeo honor his groundbreaking career.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• How Myrtis Dightman overcame racism and discrimination to become one of rodeo’s top bull riders.
• The vital role Dightman played in mentoring the next generation of Black cowboys, including Charlie Sampson.
• Why Dightman’s legacy continues to inspire and is celebrated through statues, rodeos, and film.

👥 Behind the Scenes Host: Seth Spillman Producer: Chase Spivey Writer: Mike Koehler

🔗 Further research:

• Interview with ABC Houston: https://youtu.be/VGhgRcoecq8?si=2jEarPpb5W71_6Iw
• Breaking Trail Blog from The Cowboy: https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/blog/breaking-trail-the-story-of-myrtis-dightman-the-jackie-robinson-of-rodeo/
• A salute from Rodeo Houston: https://www.rodeohouston.com/myrtis-dightman-trailblazer-bullrider-and-rodeo-legend/

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🗺️ Visit Us: The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73111. See us on the map

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