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Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/making-history-they-cant-erase-

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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

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