BPIR Fort Worth, TX Bronc Rider
BPIR Bull Rider Texas Connection Series Fort Worth, TX
Valeria Howard Cunningham President & CEO of the BPIR
Soul Country Music Star 2026 Atlanta Regional Winner Jacqueline Merrill
Texas Connection Buckle Series Championship continues as Atlanta celebrated top Legacy Series competitors and Soul Country Music Star™ Atlanta Regional Winner
ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, August 11, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — On Saturday, August 15, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) is heading back to the historic Cowtown Coliseum for the fourth stop of the 2026 Texas Connection Series. Audiences can catch two high-energy performances, scheduled for 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Attendees in Fort Worth will be treated to the thrill, heritage, and tradition of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, showcasing talented Black cowboys and cowgirls competing in classic rodeo disciplines such as Ranch Bronc Riding, Steer Wrestling, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Ladies Steer Undecorating, Breakaway Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding. Younger competitors will also take part in Junior Breakaway Roping, Junior Barrel Racing, and Pee Wee Barrel Racing, highlighting BPIR’s dedication to fostering the next wave of rodeo talent.
This Fort Worth event follows an exhilarating finish to the BPIR Legacy Series in Atlanta on August 1st & August 2nd, where packed houses came together to honor the excellence of Black cowboys and cowgirls, witness fierce competition, and see the 2026 Legacy Series Buckle Champions awarded.
BPIR LEGACY SERIES RODEO RESULTS
The August Atlanta Legacy Series performances highlighted the skill, quickness, agility, and resolve of contenders from all over the nation. Across the two-day event, cowboys and cowgirls turned in remarkable efforts in timed events, rough stock contests, barrel racing, roping, and the audience-favorite Relay Race.
The action was undeniably thrilling as Jose Pedraza III of Bellwood, Illinois, secured the top spot in Ranch Bronc Riding with a score of 74.5. In Bull Riding, Travoris Zeno of Beaumont, Texas, took the Round One victory with an outstanding score of 78.
The roping events featured a number of impressive showings. Azja Bryant of Huntsville, Texas, claimed victory in Ladies Breakaway Roping with a time of 3.20 seconds, while Trevor Whayne of Preston, Oklahoma, won Junior Breakaway Roping with a time of 4.30 seconds. Harrel Williams Jr. of Prairie View, Texas, topped Junior Tie-Down Roping with a time of 10.60 seconds, and Richard Coleman of Wharton, Texas, finished first in Open Tie-Down Roping with a time of 7.91 seconds. In Team Roping, the duo of Devon C. Johnson and Camish Jennings posted the fastest time of 6.31 seconds.
Steer Wrestling saw different victors in each round. Reginald McCullough of Houston, Texas, won Round One with a time of 6.11 seconds, while Davenger Griffin of Natchez, Mississippi, claimed Round Two with a time of 6.44 seconds. Paris Wilburd of Cabot, Arkansas, delivered one of the weekend’s quickest efforts, taking Ladies Steer Undecorating in just 1.70 seconds.
The barrel racers also brought speed and accuracy to the Atlanta arena. Kanesha Jackson of Hempstead, Texas, won Round One of Ladies Barrel Racing with a time of 15.744 seconds. Kenadee Goodman of Beaumont, Texas, followed with a Round Two win in 15.571 seconds. Kinley Adair of Point Blank, Texas, took Junior Barrel Racing with a time of 16.278 seconds, while Kalli Poole of Montgomery, Texas, won Pee Wee Barrel Racing with a time of 17.133 seconds.
Wrapping up the list of notable performances, the Texas Oklahoma Connection claimed the Relay Race with a time of 58.234 seconds.
The bulls had the last word in Round Two, as no qualified rides were recorded.
2026 LEGACY SERIES BUCKLE CHAMPIONS CROWNED
With the conclusion of the final Atlanta performance, the 2026 BPIR Legacy Series officially ended, marking the culmination of another thrilling season of rivalry, dedication, and celebration of Black Western heritage.
The crowning of the 2026 Legacy Series Buckle Champions represented more than just receiving an award. These champions earned their titles through steady performance, ability, perseverance, and exceptional showings throughout the series. Every time they entered the arena, they competed not just for points and recognition, but as part of a legacy that BPIR has worked for over four decades to maintain, honor, and advance.
BPIR proudly congratulates its 2026 Legacy Series Buckle Champions:
Kinley Adair – Jr. Barrel Racing
Krishaun Adair – Barrel Racing
Tony Aska – Steer Wrestling
Jaedyn Bartell-Padraza – Ranch Bronc
Azja Bryant – Ladies Steer Undecorating
Niya Bryant – Ladies Breakaway
Camish Jenning – TR Heeler
Devon Johnson – TR Header
Kali Poole – Peewee Barrel Racing
Anthony Smith Jr. – Bull Riding
Deweldon Watson – Calf Roping
Trevor Wayne – Jr. Breakaway
Harrel Williams – Jr./55 Tiedown
Their accomplishments add another entry to the history of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo and show that the BPIR legacy continues through every generation of cowboys and cowgirls who step into the arena.
THE ROAD TO THE TEXAS CONNECTION CHAMPIONSHIP CONTINUES
Focus now shifts to Fort Worth, where the Texas Connection Series offers competitors another chance to gather important points toward the Texas Connection Buckle Series Championship.
After the August 15 event, the Texas Connection Series will return to Cowtown Coliseum on Saturday, October 17, for the Texas Connection Buckle Series Championship, featuring shows at 1:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
The August 15 Texas Connection Rodeo also serves as a crucial final opportunity for competitors aiming to lock in a spot among the BPIR Top Ten and earn an invitation to compete at the BPIR National Championship Finals in September.
With championship points, Top Ten rankings, and a trip to the National Finals on the line, Fort Worth is set to provide another exciting day of competition as BPIR’s cowboys and cowgirls continue their chase for championship honors.
SOUL COUNTRY MUSIC STAR™ ATLANTA REGIONAL WINNER
The Atlanta weekend also featured another exciting celebration as the Soul Country Music Star™ Atlanta Regional Competition highlighted emerging musical talent and named its Atlanta Regional Winner, Jacqueline Merrill.
The contest continues BPIR’s tradition of uniting rodeo, music, culture, and community to create an entertainment experience that extends beyond the arena.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
The ongoing success of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is made possible by the backing of Official Presenting Sponsors Ariat and Crown Royal, along with additional support from Visit Fort Worth, YETI, Upscale Media, Cavender’s, and valued partners the BPIR Foundation, Black Beauty & Wellness Foundation, and Anti-Violence Ventures.
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Tickets for the 2026 BPIR Texas Connection Series are currently available. Families, schools, youth groups, and community organizations are urged to book early for preferred seating and group packages.
Tickets and show details can be found at www.billpickettrodeo.com, the Cowtown Coliseum box office, cowtowncoliseum.com, and AXS.
For sponsorship, partnership, and vendor opportunities, contact the BPIR National Development Team at mladrew@billpickettrodeo.com.
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo — The Greatest Show on Dirt.
About the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) is the nation’s premier African American touring rodeo
association. Founded in 1984 by Lu Vason to celebrate and preserve the legacy of Black cowboys and cowgirls and their contributions to the American West, BPIR is proudly led today by President and CEO Valeria Howard Cunningham, making it the only African American touring rodeo association in the world owned and operated by a Black woman. Touring major cities across the United States annually, BPIR presents world class rodeo competition while serving as a powerful cultural platform advancing national and global awareness of Black Western heritage.
About Soul Country Music Star
Soul Country Music Star™ is a premier country music competition and showcase dedicated to
uplifting Black country music artists. Founded by Executive Producer Margo Wade LaDrew of
Wade & Associates Group, on the principle that country music is a genre for everyone, SCMS
highlights the diverse voices that have long contributed to its history while creating new
opportunities for rising talent.
About Cowtown Coliseum
Situated in the heart of the National Historic District known as The Stockyards, the 3,000-capacity
Cowtown Coliseum opened in 1908 and has welcomed millions of guests through its doors. The
unique venue is also the world’s only year- round rodeo and the first-ever indoor arena in the
United States to host rodeos. Recognized by the Texas Historical Commission as a Texas Historical Landmark, the arena is the site of Elvis Presley’s earliest concerts and the location where many commercials, music videos and TV shows have been filmed, including Pure Country, Dallas, Little Women and more.
Cowtown Coliseum hosted PBR’s first event in 1993, as well as PBR World Finals, the marquee
individual championship event in professional bull riding. Cowtown Coliseum is managed by
Legends Global, the world and leading premium live experiences company, and is a joint
venture between Stockyards Heritage Development Co., a partnership between Majestic Realty
Co. and Hickman Investments, and PBR (Professional Bull Riders), the world’s premier bull riding
organization – the result of a public/private partnership with the City of Fort Worth.
Michelle R Johnson – BPIR Media Relations Director
Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo
press@billpickettrodeo.com
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BPIR Texas Connection, Fort Worth, Texas
